Sykes’s Nightjar: Rare migratory bird makes first south India appearance in Mangaluru

Rare birding milestone in Mangaluru  
Birdwatchers in Mangaluru celebrated a historic moment when Sykes’s Nightjar, a species usually found in northwestern South Asia, was spotted and photographed at Jokatte on the city’s outskirts. The bird was identified and documented by K. Vivek Nayak along with fellow birders Abhay Yellore, Ashwin Nayak Sujir, and B. Prakash Prabhu.  

The sighting is considered a landmark for ornithology in southern India, as the species had never been recorded in this region before. Experts note that such migratory occurrences highlight the ecological importance of coastal Karnataka as a stopover for diverse bird species. The discovery also underscores the role of citizen birdwatchers in expanding scientific knowledge of avian migration patterns.  

Major takeaways  

• Sykes’s Nightjar recorded for the first time in south India  
• Spotted at Jokatte near Mangaluru on November 16, 2025  
• Documented by members of Coastal Karnataka Birdwatchers’ Network  
• Species typically found in northwestern South Asia  
• Highlights ecological value of coastal Karnataka for migratory birds  

Sources: The Hindu, Wikipedia, Mid-Day