White-throated Nightjar

The white-throated nightjar or white-throated eared-nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) 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. 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. The four outermost primaries have a distinct white spot that help to differentiate it from similar looking nightjars. Its tail is brown with black speckles and absent of any white. The beak is greyish black and the legs are dark brown and short making travel on ground difficult for this bird. When in flight, the wings are long, pointed and held above its head. This species bounces buoyantly while flying and takes frequent glides accompanied by a double wing beat.