A migratory species but with a shorter path than the similar but slightly larger Common Nighthawk. White patch below wing usually visible. Thin white band on wing seen during flight is closer to tip of wing than on Common Nighthawk. Male has a white partial collar around neck in front. |
Northern migrant. Compare to Lesser Nighthawk. White band on wing seen during flight is thinner than on Common Pauraque, and further from tip than on Lesser Nighthawk. Note white throat on male is often hidden. Often active in the day, and often hunts from the air like a swallow. Possible female (no white throat). |
The largest nighthawk in the Americas is sometimes active during the day. |
The smallest species in the order Caprimulgiformes, at 16 centimeters. Note white throat and white band on tail (male). At night, showing whites. |
Seen during day in large groups along major rivers resting on rocks, driftwood, or trees. Note black tip to wing feathers compared to larger Nacunda Nighthawk which has a white band that reaches end of the tail feathers. |