First Record of the White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis in South Australia

Abstract

In October 2007 the White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis was detected in South Australia for the first time. One bird was heard calling in a Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus plantation south-east of Mount Gambier. Subsequent visits confirmed the presence of a second bird at the same location. It is not known whether this was a breeding pair or whether nesting occurred at the site. Past reports of this species in South Australia from the early 1900s are considered to be misidentifications. The documented records of the species closest to South Australia are from just west of Melbourne, in the Otway Ranges and Ballarat regions of Victoria, so this record is ~250 km west of the species’ known range. It is suggested that the extensive recent planting of Tasmanian Blue Gums may have provided new habitat for the species in the region. Further intensive survey for nocturnal birds in the region is recommended.