Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

Least ConcernCommonInvertebratesWoodlandScrapeSmall · 58 g

About the Pauraque

The pauraque – also called the common pauraque to distinguish it from similar species – is a nightjar species, one of two birds in the genus Nyctidromus. It breeds in the subtropical and tropical regions of the New World, and except for northernmost birds it is largely resident all year round.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

This medium-sized nightjar is 8.7–11 in (22–28 cm) long and has two colour morphs, the plumage being variegated greyish-brown or rufous-brown. It is long-tailed and has broad rounded wings. The buff 'eye-ring' and 'facial stripe' contrast with the reddish sides of the face. The adult male pauraque has a white band near the wing tips, and the outer tail feathers are mainly white. The female's wing band is narrower and the white in the outer tail is more restricted. There are seven subspecies of the pauraque, differing in size and greyness.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Pauraque sounds like

Recording: Rosa Elena Albornoz @rosaelena_naturaleza · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: grete pasch · CC BY 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jose Colorado-Dapa · CC BY 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Pauraque for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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