Spotted Nightjar
Eurostopodus argus
- Family
- Nightjars and Nighthawks (Caprimulgidae)
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
Overview
The spotted nightjar or spotted eared-nightjar (Eurostopodus argus) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae.
It inhabits much of mainland Australia and has also been found in several Indonesian islands.
Its natural habitats are open forests and woodlands, scrub, spinifex and tussock grassland, savannah woodland and mangroves.
Spotted nightjars are larger and more colorful than other species of nightjar, and are known for their intricately flecked plumage patterns which allow them to camouflage well against the ground.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Australia (except eastern coast and Tasmania); winters to Aru Islands (off southwestern New Guinea) and Lesser Sundas.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Spotted nightjar
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
