Diabolical Nightjar
Eurostopodus diabolicus
A dark, cryptically patterned nightjar with a bold buff collar, and prominent pale gray patches on the upperparts. In flight, note the small white mark on the outer wing. Inhabits forest and edges in the foothills and mountains. Pairs often roost on the ground. Restricted to Sulawesi. Never shows white in the tail, unlike Sulawesi and Savanna Nightjars. Smaller than Great Eared-Nightjar, and never hawks above the canopy. Song is a rapid series, “ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke.” Also gives soft “whip” calls.
Identification
The Satanic nightjar measures about 27 cm (11 in) long. It has a white to buff-colored collar at its throat, blackish head, greyish-brown back, barred brown belly, and white spots on its 3rd and 4th outer primaries. It can be distinguished from other nightjars in the area by its dark color and the absence of ear tufts, white tail, and wing patches.
Taxonomy
The Satanic nightjar belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes, and the nightjar family Caprimulgidae, falling within the genus Eurostopodus along with six other birds. Though it is sometimes confused with other nightjars found within its range such as great eared nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis), savanna nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), and the Sulawesi nightjar (Caprimulgus celebensis) it is believed to share a closer evolutionary origin with New Guinea nightjars including Archbold's nightjar (Eurostopodus archboldi) and the Papuan nightjar (Eurostopodus papuensis), which it most resembles in appearance and habitat preference. Though Satanic nightjars have always been treated as a single species, recent comparisons of photographed and observed individuals have revealed differences which could indicate there are in fact two separate types. Individuals from central Sulawesi have grey on their tails and scapulars, along with white-tipped, oval-shaped breast feathers. Conversely, individuals from the north of the island lack grey markings and have less pronounced breast feathers. Regional differences in the birds' song may also exist. However, more evidence must be gathered before any conclusions can be drawn.
- Scientific name
- Eurostopodus diabolicus
- Authority
- Stresemann, 1931
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Eurostopodus
Range and habitat
The Satanic nightjar is restricted to Sulawesi, Indonesia. It inhabits lowland and mountain rainforests of the region from 250 to 2,300 metres (820 to 7,550 ft) above sea level. It seems to favour edge habitats with low canopies and groves of palms and rattans. It can be found in forest clearings, as well as open spaces created by roads and trails in old-growth forests. While it has mostly been sighted in the north and central parts of the island, its range could extend over all of Sulawesi.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-faced Babbler
Turdoides melanops
Dull brownish babbler with a pale eye. Found very locally in areas of thick mixed savanna. Almost always in small groups, which feed by hopping across the ground. Raucous babbling call is frequently given, usually by a whole group in chorus. Similar in shape, size, and overall brown coloration to Arrow-marked Babbler, but easily separated by pale eyes, black lores, and broad and messy markings below. Also easily separated from Hartlaub’s Babbler by the white eye and dark rump.
Band-tailed Antshrike
Thamnophilus melanothorax
A rarely encountered large antshrike. Both sexes are distinctive; male is mostly black with a broad white tail band, whereas female is mostly rusty-colored with a black face and throat. Pairs inhabit disturbed areas in forested regions and are especially fond of dense vine tangles. May ascend into midstory but usually remains in undergrowth where they are difficult to see. Song is a slow series of hollow notes, much slower than other antshrikes in range; also harsh churring in alarm. Range incompletely known.
Yellow-browed Bunting
Emberiza chrysophrys
Small, modestly attractive bunting of brushy areas and open forests. Brown overall with a paler belly and bright yellow-suffused supercilium. Male has mostly black head, female has a predominantly brown head, but the sexes are otherwise rather similar. Head pattern recalls Rustic and Tristram's Buntings, but neither has yellow in the supercilium. Largely solitary, but may appear in small flocks on migration.
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