The Common Pauraque is a common nightjar species of the tropics, with a range that extends from South America all the way northward to southern Texas. Although they overlap in range with some other nightjar species, the Common Pauraque is typically the most common, low-elevation nightjar in much of its range. They can be very difficult to observe during the day, as their plumage provides very good camouflage against the forest leaf litter where they often rest. At night, they are most often seen when flying, when their white wing bar flashes conspicuously.
Habitat
The Common Pauraque inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, secondary growth, brushy clearings, savannas, scrublands, pastures, plantations, and lightly wooded tropical habitats. It favors areas with patches of bare ground and low vegetation where it can rest, forage, and nest while remaining well camouflaged. The species is widespread from southern Texas through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
Diet
The Common Pauraque feeds primarily on insects captured at dusk and during the night. Its diet includes moths, beetles, flying ants, termites, grasshoppers, crickets, and other nocturnal insects that it catches in flight or picks from the ground and low vegetation while foraging along roads, trails, and forest edges.
Behavior
Does much of its foraging by sitting still on a branch or on the ground, looking for passing flying insects, and fluttering up to grab them when they come into range. They will also sometimes forage while in flight, or grab insects on the ground.
Nesting
The Common Pauraque doesn't build a formal nest. The female lays 2 eggs directly on the ground, usually near the base of a shrub or other vegetation, on top of litter or other vegetative material. Both the male and female help to incubate the eggs. When the eggs hatch, both parents feed the young through the regurgitation of insects.
Song
The Common Pauraque is best known for its distinctive, repetitive song, often rendered as “pauraque, pauraque, pauraque,” from which its common name is derived. Males may repeat this ringing call for long periods during the evening, night, and early morning. The species also gives a variety of softer clucks, churrs, and growling notes during territorial interactions and courtship.
Migration
The Common Pauraque is largely nonmigratory across most of its range from southern Texas through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. Most populations remain year-round in suitable habitats, although some birds may make local seasonal movements in response to rainfall, food availability, or changing environmental conditions. Unlike many North American nightjars, the Common Pauraque does not undertake regular long-distance migrations.
Similar Species
Chuck-will's-widow: The Common Pauraque is smaller and shows a bold white throat bordered by darker markings, while Chuck-will's-widow appears bulkier with a larger head and broader wings. Common Pauraques are also more often found in tropical brushlands and forest edges, whereas Chuck-will's-widows are birds of eastern woodlands and pine forests.
Whip-poor-will: The Common Pauraque typically appears longer-legged and often rests conspicuously on roads or open ground, while Eastern Whip-poor-wills usually appear more compact and are associated with forested habitats. Their voices are unmistakably different: the Pauraque repeatedly calls “pauraque,” whereas the Whip-poor-will gives its familiar “whip-poor-will” song.
Conservation Status
The Common Pauraque is considered a species of low conservation concern because it has a very large range extending from southern Texas through much of Central and South America and remains common in many areas. It adapts well to a variety of habitats, including secondary growth, forest edges, pastures, plantations, and other human-modified landscapes. Although local populations may be affected by habitat loss, road mortality, and pesticide-related declines in insect prey, the species is generally regarded as widespread and secure. The IUCN lists the Common Pauraque as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
Photo taken by Jason Forbes - February 10th, 2010 - Progreso, Texas - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the interactive eBird species sightings page for Common Pauraque
