White-throated Nightjar

Eurostopodus mystacalis

Least ConcernRareInvertebratesForestScrapeMedium · 135 g

About the White-throated Nightjar

The white-throated nightjar or white-throated eared-nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is endemic to eastern Australia; it is a non-breeding winter visitor in Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.

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

ID tip

E. mystacalis is the largest Australian nightjar species and measures around 30–37 cm. Males and females are very similar in appearance and display a dark variegated body. The upper body and wings are greyish-brown with broad blackish-brown streaks and spots. The underbody is spotted brown or greyish white and barred rufous. The upper part of the wing is greyish-white but speckled brownish-black as well. Its neck is buff colored with a large white patch on either side of its throat making it appear as if it's wearing a collar. Voice: White-throated nightjars are often heard more than seen. They have a distinct song that help distinguish it from species it was previously conspecific to. Mostly made by males, their song is composed of a series of rapidly ascending bubbling notes. Their song is described as wow-wow-wow-wow-ho-ho ho-ho-o-o-O containing 9-12 notes and lasting for three to six seconds.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in November · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the White-throated Nightjar for real

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