The White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) is a species of bird found in South and Southeast Asia. This nocturnal bird belongs to the family Caprimulgidae, which includes other nightjars, nighthawks, and whip-poor-wills.
The White-throated Nightjar has a distinctive appearance with its buffy-brown upperparts, rufous-brown wings, and white throat and underparts. Its wings have a distinctive pattern of white spots that help identify it in flight. The bird has a medium-sized body with a length of around 27 cm and a wingspan of 44-51 cm.
This bird can be found in a variety of habitats such as dry forest, savannahs, open woodland, and grasslands. It is known to be a solitary species that prefers to roost on the ground in leaf litter or on rocks during the day. They use their cryptic plumage to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. Their diet mainly consists of insects, such as moths, which they catch using a wide, gaping mouth while in flight.
The White-throated Nightjar is known for its distinctive call, which is a repeated 'chuk-chuk' sound that can be heard from dusk to dawn. Males make these calls during the breeding season to attract females and establish their territory.
Breeding season for this species spans from April to August. Their nest is a depression on the ground, and the female usually lays only one egg in it. Both male and female take turns incubating the egg, which hatches after about 22 days. The chick is born covered in down, and it becomes full-feathered after four weeks.
This species is not considered globally threatened, and its population is stable. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural activities have been a threat to their populations in some parts of their range. Conservation efforts are needed to protect their habitats and ensure their population remains healthy.
Overall, the White-throated Nightjar is a fascinating and unique bird that contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which it lives.