White-throated Nightjar

The White-throated Nightjar, known scientifically as Eurostopodus mystacalis, is the largest of the Australian nightjars, with a length ranging from 30 to 37 cm. Both sexes exhibit a dark, variegated plumage with a distinctive white throat patch, resembling a collar. Their upperparts are greyish-brown with blackish-brown streaks and spots, while the underparts are a mottled brown or greyish white with barred rufous. The wings are greyish-white but speckled with brownish-black, and the tail is brown with black speckles, lacking any white. Their beak is greyish black, and they have short, dark brown legs.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-throated Nightjar, look for the large white throat patch and the absence of white in the tail. The four outermost primaries have a distinct white spot, which is a key feature to differentiate it from similar species. In flight, their long, pointed wings are held above the head, and their buoyant flight pattern includes frequent glides and a double wing beat.

Habitat

This species is found in a variety of habitats, most commonly in dry low-elevation forests. They show a preference for dry sclerophyll woodlands with sparse understory and are known to inhabit areas affected by disturbances such as forest fires.

Distribution

Endemic to eastern Australia, the White-throated Nightjar breeds east of the Great Dividing Range, with populations also in New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. During the winter, they migrate to Papua New Guinea as non-breeding visitors, with some remaining in north and central Queensland year-round.

Behaviour

The White-throated Nightjar is a nocturnal bird, known for its aerial hunting prowess. It forms foraging groups, especially during migration, to maximize night-time hunting. They are often seen along roadsides at night, which unfortunately leads to collisions with vehicles.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of rapidly ascending bubbling notes, described as "wow-wow-wow-wow-ho-ho ho-ho-o-o-O," lasting three to six seconds. Their call is an ascending "whook whook whook," which accelerates into a 'cackle of laughter.' Adults and chicks communicate with various notes, including low husky sounds and harsh "khaah" notes from the chicks.

Breeding

Breeding season varies by region, occurring from September to February. Courtship involves chasing, displays, and vocal exchanges. They lay their eggs directly onto leaf litter or bare soil, with both sexes sharing incubation duties. Chicks are precocial and mobile from the first day.

Similar Species

The White-throated Nightjar can be confused with other nightjar species, but its large white throat patch and the absence of white in the tail are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of flying insects, with a preference for large moths. They hunt at night using a hawking technique and may form large foraging groups during migration.

Conservation status

The White-throated Nightjar is currently listed as Least Concern, but its population trend is decreasing. Threats include road fatalities, predation by feral animals, and habitat destruction due to bushfires and invasive species like fire ants.