Common Pauraque

@ Estero Llano Grande SP, Hidalgo County, TX

Birds & Birding in Costa Rica: (Species Blog #22) – Costa Rica’s national motto and tourism slogan, “La Pura Vida” loosely translates to Live Life or Enjoy Life. With over 900 bird species recorded here, there is certainly lots to enjoy! Join with me as I guide you through the scenic wonderland that is Costa Rica. From the slow-moving waters of the Coastal Mangrove Wetlands to the heights of the Talamanca Páramo, over 300 species of birds will be featured in this blog series. **Some of this Blog Series photos (all taken by me) may have been taken in other nearby countries.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

BIRDS & BIRDING IN COSTA RICA WEBSITE LINK: Common Pauraque

The Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) is a cryptically patterned nightbird found in Central and South America. Its breeding range extends from southern Texas to the lower Paraná River region. Most populations are year-round residents, although U.S. breeders (N. a. merrilli) may winter in eastern Mexico. These pauraques inhabit shrubby woodlands and are characterized by gray, gold, and brown plumage, with distinctive cinnamon cheeks and golden edges on their back and wing feathers. In flight, they display white outer tail feathers and a white bar across the wings. During the day, they roost on the ground and actively hunt for insects at night. Their song is a rich, slightly buzzy “pur-WEEooo,” and they have a relatively long tail compared to other similar nightbirds.

Common Pauraque Distribution Map (from eBird)

OBSERVATION ANECDOTES

Perhaps the more expected and vocal nightjar in Costa Rica, the Common Pauraque can be observed from Texas south to Argentina. I heard them at Arenal Volcano, but they may be heard throughout the mid-elevation to low elevation forests. I have observed them in the US, Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

PHOTO GALLERY

View the three most recent Birds & Birding in Costa Rica series blog posts below.