Species BirdsCommon Pauraque

Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

UncommonBird
Illustration of Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis)

The Common Pauraque is a large nightjar of tropical lowlands that enters the US only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is distinctive for its bright orange-rufous cheeks. It roosts on gravel roads where its eye-shine is visible in headlights at night. Its rolling 'puh-WEEEER' whistle is a constant sound of Texas brush country after dark.

Habitat
Dense tropical thorn scrub and woodland edges of the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Diet
Insects caught in slow aerial pursuit
How common
Uncommon

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