Common Pauraque – Estero Llano Grande, TX
A Common Pauraque sat quietly on the ground at Estero Llano Grande, Texas as we made our way through the trails. It blended so well with the leaf litter that we almost walked right past it. This is one of those birds that depends completely on staying still and trusting its camouflage. However, what made this sighting special for me is that I saw one in almost the exact same spot 25 years ago. That fact says a lot about how these birds use the same areas over time. Common Pauraque belong to the nightjar family and has the nickname “goatsucker.” That nickname comes from an old myth that these birds drank milk from goats. Probably, people believed it because they were often seen flying around livestock at night catching insects. In reality, they’re out after moths and beetles once the sun goes down. If you are in South Texas a trip to Estero Llano Grande is a must where they have guided tours. Additionally, check in with 10000BirdTours.com if you are looking for a local guide in North or South America.
