Solomons Nightjar

Eurostopodus nigripennis

A large-eyed and immaculately camouflaged nocturnal bird. Plumage is a mixture of brown, rufous, and gray speckling and barring, with a small white throat patch and a faint rufous collar. Found mostly in and around forest. Recorded roosting on sandy beaches and mangrove roots. Superficially similar to Solomons Frogmouth but unlikely to be confused. Song reported to sound similar to an axe hitting wood, a staccato “tok-tok-tok.”

Identification

The Solomons nightjar (Eurostopodus nigripennis) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It avoids human activity, and (like other nightjars) is nocturnal. It was recently split from the white-throated nightjar based on differences in vocalizations, morphology, and range. Juvenile plumage is duller than that of adults. It feeds on flying insects.

Taxonomy

Genus: Eurostopodus; Family: Caprimulgidae; Order: Caprimulgiformes.

Scientific name
Eurostopodus nigripennis
Authority
Ramsay, EP, 1882
Order
Caprimulgiformes
Family
Caprimulgidae
Genus
Eurostopodus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

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