Nest observation: Pauraque!

Pauraques (Nyctidromus albicollis) are nightjars. They are active during the nighttime and because of their well camouflaged 'suit' it is difficult to spot them easily. In general Pauraques are insect eating birds. They are also common birds and are frequently heard and seen in Kabalebo.

Since they rely on their camouflage, Pauraques (or in general nightjars) lay their eggs on leaf litter. No particular nest is made, since they are 'one with the dry leaves (see picture above) I wouldn't find ones nest, but as they are also easily alerted, they fly away and expose their nest. 

It was a short but successful observation. Enjoy! 

November 27th, 2014: On my way to the River Cabins, a surprised move into the dense vegetation caught my attention. A Pauraque fled the scene. As usual they do that very often when they are being approached too close. I looked at the spot where it was sitting and guess what …. a nest. Well I couldn't really call it a nest. It was just some dry leaves and an egg (well camouflaged too). If you look closer you can see that the hatchling already started to chip its way outside the egg. 

November 29th, 2014: And here it is … the newborn. A little fluffy fellow. Even after birth the chicks are already one with nature. It took me a while to find its beak and eyes. 

Same afternoon its parent came back and sat on top of the hatchling. It looked like it was weary, but I bet that it was quite awake and alert too.

November 30th, 2014: Here you can see its eyes clearly. I noticed that the adult and chick moved closer to the dense vegetation. Probably for more peace and quiet, since the 'nest' was next to the 'public road'. The next day both the adult and chick were gone from the road. 

Other small nestings:

• Guianan Streaked Antwren
• Bananaquit
• Silver-beaked Tanager