Common pauraque
Widespread in the Neotropics, the Common Pauraque ventures into the U.S. just at the southernmost tip of Texas. This medium-sized nightjar is 8.7–11 in (22–28 cm). The nightjars, including the Common Pauraque, have a reflective structure in the eye called a tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back to the retina (similar to cats). This helps them see flying insects in the dark.
