574 AVES-N1GHT HAWK 



THE NIGHT HAWK.i 



This bird is called a bat in some of the southern states. It is by many 

 supposed to be the same bird as the whip-poor-will; but on comparing the 

 two birds, the difference between them will be easily observed, and their 

 manners also are strikingly dissimilar. The night hawk lays its eggs on 

 the bare ground, in an open space in the woods, or in the corner of a field, 

 where the color of the leaves and ground may resemble the general tint of 

 the eggs. The male and female are constantly near the nest during the day. 

 They sit lengthwise on the branch of a tree, instead of crosswise, like most 

 other birds, their legs and feet being too slender to grasp the branch firmly. 

 While the female is sitting, the male keeps a most vigilant watch around. 

 He plays about in the air, mounting by several quick vibrations of the wing, 

 uttering all the while a sharp harsh squeal, till, having gained the highest 

 point, he suddenly precipitates himself head foremost, and With great 

 rapidity, down sixty or seventy feet, wheeling up as suddenly; at which 

 instant is heard a booming sound, resembling that produced by blowing 

 strongly into the bunghole of an empty hogshead ; and which is doubtless 

 produced by the sudden expansion of his capacious mouth, while he passes 

 through the air. This singular habit belongs only to the male. The female 

 never descends in the manner of the male. When she is approached, she 

 moves in such a fluttering tumbling manner, and appearance of a lame and 

 wounded bird, as nine times in ten to deceive the person, and induce him to 

 pursue her. When the young are first hatched, it is difficult to distinguish 

 them from the surface of the ground; they sit so fixed and squat as to be 

 mistaken for a slight moulding on the earth. 



These birds are seen abroad at all times of the day; but their most favo- 

 rite time is from two hours before sunset till dusk. They are very numerous 



1 Caprimulgus Americanus, Wilson 



