Lesser Nighthawk vs Common Pauraque

In short

The Lesser Nighthawk and Common Pauraque are both nightjars, but they can be distinguished by their wing and tail patterns. The Lesser Nighthawk has pointed wings with white crescents, while the Common Pauraque has blunt, rounded wings with a white band across the primaries and a long, rounded tail with substantial white in the rectrices.

Identification tips

• Look for pointed wings with white crescents in Lesser Nighthawks.
• Check for blunt, rounded wings with a white band in Common Pauraques.
• Observe the tail length and pattern: Lesser Nighthawks have shorter tails, while Common Pauraques have longer tails with more white.
• Listen for vocalizations: a toad-like trill for Lesser Nighthawks and a 'hip-hip-hooray' song for Common Pauraques.
• Consider habitat: Lesser Nighthawks in arid regions, Common Pauraques in tropical lowlands.

Size

The Common Pauraque is generally larger and has a longer tail compared to the Lesser Nighthawk.

Plumage

Both species exhibit cryptic plumage with browns, buffs, grays, and blacks. However, the Lesser Nighthawk has distinctive white crescents on its wings, while the Common Pauraque shows a white band across the primaries and more white in the tail.

Behaviour

Lesser Nighthawks are often seen flitting low over the ground or bushes, while Common Pauraques are more terrestrial and crepuscular, often foraging on the ground.

Habitat

Lesser Nighthawks are found in arid and semi-arid regions of the American Southwest, while Common Pauraques are more widespread in tropical lowlands of Central and South America.

Voice

The Lesser Nighthawk is known for its toad-like trill, whereas the Common Pauraque has a distinctive 'hip-hip hip-hip hip-hip-hooray' song.