Diabolical Nightjar

The Satanic nightjar measures about 27 cm (11 in) long. It has a white to buff-colored collar at its throat, blackish head, greyish-brown back, barred brown belly, and white spots on its 3rd and 4th outer primaries. It can be distinguished from other nightjars in the area by its dark color and the absence of ear tufts, white tail, and wing patches.

The Satanic nightjar is restricted to Sulawesi, Indonesia. It inhabits lowland and mountain rainforests of the region from 250 to 2,300 metres (820 to 7,550 ft) above sea level. It seems to favour edge habitats with low canopies and groves of palms and rattans. It can be found in forest clearings, as well as open spaces created by roads and trails in old-growth forests. While it has mostly been sighted in the north and central parts of the island, its range could extend over all of Sulawesi.

Like other nightjars, this bird preys on insects while flying. It hunts along the forest edge, active near dusk and dawn. However, little is known about its diet. It is thought to feed primarily on nocturnal insects such as moths.

The Satanic nightjar's common and Latin name originate from interpretations of its vocalizations. Some authors report that in flight, the bird makes a "plip-plop" call like dripping water, which locals have also likened to the sound of the bird pulling out a person's eye. However, this description may be wrongly attributed to this species as it does not agree with more recent accounts of the bird's call. It is also sometimes called Heinrich's nightjar, the diabolical nightjar, the devilish nightjar, the Sulawesi nightjar and other names. These last three names have largely fallen out of use. Its common names sometimes also include the word "eared" despite its lack of ear tufts. Some of this bird's advocates prefer the name "Satanic", believing it will draw more attention and conservation interest to the little-known nightjar.