Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species is poorly known, it is thought to have a very small, declining population, within which no subpopulation is likely to exceed 1,000 mature individuals. It is therefore classified as Vulnerable.
Population justification
This species is described as rare and localised (Dutson 2011), and given the small range and lack of recent records, the total population is presumed to be very small. Comprehensive searches have suggested there were previously 6 pairs spread around Tetepare's shoreline before two of these pairs were collected in 2019 (J. Bergmark in litt. 2023). Extrapolating this across the entire range gives a crude population estimate of 800 mature individuals, however it should be noted that the species is reportedly commoner on smaller islands (Dutson 2011) and recent records suggest that Tetepare may be a stronghold. Conversely, detection probability is low, the species is occasionally found inland (Dutson 2011) and recent observations combined with traditional local knowledge on Malaita suggest that it may have a wider range of nesting habitat than previously documented (Alabai et al. 2019) such that the population may be larger. As such, the population is tentatively placed here in the band 800-2,499 mature individuals (with no subpopulation exceeding 1,000 mature individuals) but dedicated surveys for this species are urgently required.
Trend justification
The species has disappeared from or become extremely rare at sites where it was historically recorded, such as the west side of Kolombangara, Guadalcanal and Santa Isabel, and there is no recognition of the species from locals in these areas (J. Bergmark in litt. 2023). An ongoing decline is inferred based on this decreasing frequency of records (Dutson 2011, del Hoyo et al. 2020) and the continuing threats to this species.
E. nigripennis is endemic to Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) and the north and central Solomon Islands (Shortland Island, Gizo, Guadalcanal, Malaita, Kolombangara, Rubiana, Rendova, Santa Isabel, Vella Lavella, Vonavona, New Georgia, Vangunu, Nggatoke and Tetepare), where it is considered uncommon (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Cleere 2010, Dutson 2011, Read 2013, Alabai et al. 2019). Tetepare may be a stronghold, and there are very few published records away from here and nearby Hele Bar (e.g., none from Bougainville since the 1930s; G. Dutson in litt. 2012, Read 2013). A nest was found and photographed on Tetepare in October 2015 and the species sighted again on Nabonibao in May 2016 (J. Read in litt. 2016). A nest was documented, for the first time, on Malaita where eggs were also noticed in September 2018 (Alabai et al. 2019). In 2019 nests were also discovered on Hehevai, and Nanakotopa islands (off of Kolombangara and Kohinggo) (Guo et al. 2020).
It occurs in forests and woodland alongside beaches and is predominantly confined to coasts, occurring from sea level to 300 m (Holyoak 2001, Cleere 2010). It often roosts and nests on sandy beaches, but not lagoon beaches, as well as beside mature lowland moist forest, sometimes in streambeds surrounded by secondary forest (Dutson 2011, Alabai et al. 2019).
This species is highly intolerant to disturbance, as human development or constant activity could easily contribute to nest failure or abandonment of nestlings (Guo et al. 2020). Nesting beaches on Tetare are occasionally used by pig hunters and other visitors and there may be some disturbance to nests - in one instance the parent bird was flushed and a chick was then killed by invasive fire ants (Read 2013). Incidence of egg-harvesting on the island is believed to be low, but eggs of Island Imperial-pigeon, Black-naped Tern and Great Crested Tern have been harvested by landowners or visitors (Read 2013). Camera trapping has revealed more feral cats on Tetepare than previously recognised (three cats photographed in 32 camera nights) which suggests that along with invasive fire ants, feral cats likely represent a threat to nightjars (J. Read in litt. 2016, Guo et al. 2020). Despite conservation concerns due to invasive species, the forests and coasts of Tetepare are largely intact (Guo et al. 2020). Other islands within the New Georgia Group have been heavily impacted by human activities however, for example Kolombangara has significant logging throughout its lowland forests (Guo et al. 2020).
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Carry out surveys for the species throughout the historic range to obtain population estimates, gain understanding of the basic ecology and requirements of the species and elucidate threats. Future surveys should survey both undisturbed beaches and riparian areas within intact forests (Guo et al. 2020). Protect nesting habitat. Raise awareness to reduce disturbance. Control invasive species.
27 cm. A brown medium-sized nightjar with white on the throat and white spots on 2-4 of the outer primaries. Upperparts are brownish with grey and black mottling; there is also an indistinct orange hindneck. Females and immatures have fewer white spots and a smaller throat patch. Similar species. White-throated Nightjar E. mystacalis is larger and has white spots on several outer primaries. Voice. 13-25 staccato notes with a resonant quality similar to an axe on wood (about 5 per second), low pitched but rising (at least initially).
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Bergmark, J., Cleere, N., Dutson, G. & Read, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Solomons Nightjar Eurostopodus nigripennis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/solomons-nightjar-eurostopodus-nigripennis on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.