- Nyctidromus albicollis
The male (top photo) has a broad white band across the outermost primaries which is especially evident when flying. It also has white along the sides of the tail. These are lacking in the female (bottom photo).
Photographed: Linhares, Esprito Santo, Brazil.
Identification
The Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis, is a nightjar.
This medium-sized (22–28cm long) nightjar has two colour morphs, the plumage being variegated greyish-brown or rufous brown. It is long-tailed and has broad rounded wings. The buff eyering 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 races of Pauraque, differing in size and greyness.
Distribution
It breeds in the warmer parts of the New World from southern Texas to northern Argentina. Most populations are resident, although the U.S. breeders (N. a. merrilli) may winter in eastern Mexico.
Taxonomy
It is the only bird in the genus Nyctidromus.
Habitat
It is found in woodland habitats, preferably forest, but also scrub and cultivation.
Behaviour
No nest is made; the two elongated and elliptical pinkish eggs are placed upon the bare ground or leaf litter.
The Pauraque is nocturnal, like other nightjars, and starts to fly at dusk. Like its relatives, it feeds on insects caught in flight, usually by flycatching from a low perch, but also by foraging over open ground. This species has long legs with bare tarsi, and is more terrestrial than most nightjars. If disturbed, it will sometimes run rather than fly, and frequently rests on roads and tracks.
The male Pauraque's song is very variable, but includes a whistled weeeow wheeooo, soft puk puk and a whip given in the courtship flight as he flutters around the female. Her call is a rapid succession of whip sounds.
