Spotted Nightjar

Overview

The spotted nightjar (Eurostopodus argus) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae, found across much of mainland Australia and parts of Indonesia. It is characterised as a larger and more colourful nightjar, known for its intricate plumage patterns that provide excellent camouflage on the ground.

Identification

• Body length ranges from 25–28 cm, with a wingspan of 20.5–23.9 cm and a short bill of 1.5–2.5 cm.
• Plumage is heavily spotted and flecked with grey, rufous, and black, blending seamlessly with rocky or leaf-strewn ground.
• In flight, large white spots on the four outer primary feathers are visible, distinguishing it from the large-tailed nightjar which has white tail markings.
• The breeding call consists of 9–12 ascending notes followed by gobbling sounds, while the territorial song is a 4–6 second sequence of rapid upward-pitched notes.

Habitat

The species inhabits open forests, woodlands, scrub, spinifex, tussock grassland, savannah woodland, and mangroves, generally preferring warmer, drier regions and avoiding dense grasslands or closed forests. It ranges across most of mainland Australia, excluding Tasmania and areas east of the Great Dividing Range, with occasional records from Indonesian islands.

Diet

Spotted nightjars are almost exclusively insectivorous, hawking insects on the wing at low altitudes of 20–30 m. They also drink while in flight by skimming the surface of water holes and may obtain preformed water from their prey.

Did you know?

The Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay people of northern New South Wales refer to the species by the onomatopoeic name 'buugudaguda'.