Band-tailed Nighthawk vs Common Pauraque

In short

The Band-tailed Nighthawk and Common Pauraque are both nightjars, but they can be distinguished by their size, tail patterns, and vocalizations. The Band-tailed Nighthawk is smaller with a distinctive white band on the tail, while the Common Pauraque is larger with a more intricate plumage pattern and a unique vocalization.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white band on the tail of the Band-tailed Nighthawk. 2. Note the size difference; the Common Pauraque is larger. 3. Listen for the Common Pauraque's distinctive song. 4. Observe the intricate plumage pattern of the Common Pauraque. 5. Consider the time of day; both are most active at dawn and dusk.

Size

The Common Pauraque is larger and longer-tailed than the Band-tailed Nighthawk.

Plumage

Band-tailed Nighthawk has a white band on its tail, while the Common Pauraque displays a more intricate pattern of browns, buffs, grays, and blacks with substantial white in the rectrices.

Behaviour

Both species are crepuscular and terrestrial, but the Common Pauraque is particularly known for its ground foraging behavior.

Habitat

Both species inhabit tropical lowlands, but specific habitat preferences may vary locally.

Voice

The Common Pauraque has a distinctive 'hip-hip hip-hip hip-hip-hooray' song, which is a quintessential sound of the tropical lowlands. The Band-tailed Nighthawk's vocalizations are less well-documented.