Bird Guide

Satanic Nightjar

Eurostopodus diabolicus

Least ConcernEndemicInvertebratesForestScrapeMedium · 104 g

About the Satanic Nightjar

The Satanic nightjar, also Heinrich's nightjar, satanic eared-nightjar, Sulawesi eared-nightjar, Satanic goatsucker or diabolical nightjar is a mid-sized, spotted, dark brown nightjar endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The species was discovered in 1931 by Gerd Heinrich, a German natural historian who collected a single female holotype from Mount Klabat on the Minahasa peninsula of Northern Sulawesi.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The Satanic nightjar measures about 27 cm (11 in) long. It has a white to buff-colored collar at its throat, blackish head, greyish-brown back, barred brown belly, and white spots on its 3rd and 4th outer primaries. It can be distinguished from other nightjars in the area by its dark color and the absence of ear tufts, white tail, and wing patches. Voice: The Satanic nightjar makes a range of different vocalizations. While flying, the bird produces a burst of loud, ascending, "fWIP! fWIP" notes set at 1 second intervals. These notes can also occur more sporadically, sometimes sung suddenly and close-together in pairs of "fWIP-WIK!, fWIP-WIK!" where the last note is shorter and sharper than the first.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Satanic Nightjar lives

Regular range

When to see the Satanic Nightjar

Peak activity in September · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Satanic Nightjar in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.