Least Poorwill

Overview

The least poorwill or least pauraque (Siphonorhis brewsteri) is a species of nightjar and the only confirmed extant species of its genus. It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Identification

• Length ranges from 17 to 21.5 cm, with the nominate subspecies featuring grayish brown upperparts with blackish streaks and bold white spots on the folded wing.
• A wide buff collar is present on the hindneck, while the dark brown breast displays white spots and the white belly shows brown bars and vermiculation.
• Tail feathers, excluding the central ones, have narrow pale tips that are white in males and buff in females.
• The male song consists of a whistled 'toorrrrri' rising in pitch or a warbled 'tworrri', accompanied by short 'toorric' calls and dove-like scratchy sounds.

Habitat

This species inhabits dry forests, arid to semi-arid landscapes composed of limestone woodland, cactus, and thorn scrub, as well as deciduous broadleaf and coniferous forests. Its range spans central, northwestern, and southwestern Dominican Republic, adjoining Haiti, and includes Haiti's Ile de la Gonâve for one subspecies. Elevation ranges from sea level up to 800 m.

Diet

Little is known about the specific feeding behavior of the least poorwill, though its diet is believed to consist of insects, following the habits of other members of its family.

Did you know?

The species' population is estimated at fewer than 15,000 mature individuals and is currently decreasing. It is thought to be under-reported due to its nocturnal nature, despite being possibly locally common.