Common Pauraque

The Common Pauraque occurs widely in lowland and foothill regions of western and eastern Ecuador, typically below 1,200 meters, where it inhabits forest edges, clearings, and scrubby secondary growth. It is generally common and nocturnal, often detected by its haunting, whistled calls at dusk and seen resting motionless on leaf litter during the day. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Neotropical range and a stable population that adapts well to disturbed habitats. Natural history observations highlight its cryptic plumage, ground-nesting behavior, and insectivorous diet, with breeding timed to coincide with the rainy season.