Mangaluru: In a remarkable breakthrough for birdwatchers and conservation enthusiasts, Sykes’s Nightjar, a partially migratory species rarely seen outside its known habitat ranges, has been recorded for the first time in Mangaluru. The sighting, which occurred on November 16, has also been confirmed as the first-ever record for all of South India, according to eBird India, the world’s leading bird documentation platform.
The bird was spotted at Jokatte, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru, by a group of experienced birdwatchers — Vivek Nayak, Dr Ashwin Nayak, B Prakash Prabhu, Abhay Yellore and Vaman Kamath G. Speaking to DH, bird enthusiast Vivek Nayak said the discovery marks an important milestone for the region’s biodiversity records, especially since the nearest known sighting until now was from Saswad near Pune, several hundred kilometres away.
A rare visitor to South India
Sykes’s Nightjar (Caprimulgus mahrattensis) is typically found in Northwestern South Asia, especially in drier landscapes stretching across Pakistan, Rajasthan and parts of central India. Its presence in Mangaluru, which lies in the lush tropical belt of coastal Karnataka, indicates either a rare migratory detour or an expansion in its movement behaviour.
Wildlife experts point out that unusual sightings such as this can shed light on changing bird patterns, potentially influenced by weather shifts, habitat adaptation or ecological disturbances in their primary ranges.
How the birdwatchers made the discovery
According to the birdwatching group, the bird was observed resting motionless on the ground, blending almost perfectly with its surroundings. Initially, it appeared as just another patch of dry earth and leaves — a hallmark of the nightjar family.
After photographing and comparing features with field guides, the team uploaded images to eBird India, following which expert reviewers confirmed the identification. “It is a moment of great excitement for us. Sightings like this remind us that nature always holds surprises,” Vivek Nayak said.
Features that distinguish Sykes’s Nightjar
The species is relatively small, measuring 20–25 cm in length. Its distinguishing features include:
- A short bill suited for catching insects mid-flight
- Dark, blackish-brown irises
- Plumage in a sophisticated mix of brown, grey and sandy shades
- Upperparts marked with blackish brown and pale brown spots
This colouration is known as cryptic plumage, which helps the bird merge with the ground, rocks or leaf litter, making it almost invisible when still. This camouflage strategy is vital for its survival, especially during daytime when nightjars generally remain inactive.
Why the sighting matters
Experts say this record holds wider implications for bird migration studies in India. The Western Ghats and coastal Karnataka region have long been considered a biodiversity hotspot, but certain arid-land birds like Sykes’s Nightjar are seldom expected in such humid landscapes.
Ornithologists believe more such unexpected sightings may emerge as citizen science initiatives grow. Platforms like eBird, which rely heavily on public birding records, have transformed the way rare species are identified and monitored.
A boost for local birding community
Mangaluru has witnessed a steady rise in birdwatching activity over the past decade, with weekend birding walks, awareness events and citizen-science surveys becoming increasingly common.
This new sighting adds to the city’s growing reputation as an important stop for migratory and vagrant birds. Bird experts hope the discovery will inspire more locals to participate in conservation efforts and habitat monitoring.
Conclusion
The first-ever South Indian sighting of Sykes’s Nightjar not only marks a milestone for Mangaluru’s natural history but also underscores the importance of community-based wildlife observation. As ecosystems continue to evolve, such findings will play a crucial role in understanding species distribution and environmental health.