NIGHT-HAWK, OR NIGHT-JAR. 621 



occupation, the male solely continues till the close of 

 twilight. The European species is heard to utter the hol- 

 low whirr when perched, and while holding it head down- 

 wards, so that it does not appear to be produced by the 

 rushing of the air. The female, if disturbed while sitting 

 on her charge, will suffer the spectator to advance within 

 a foot or two of her before she leaves the nest ; she then 

 tumbles about and flutters with an appearance of lame- 

 ness, to draw off the observer, when, at length, she 

 mounts into the air and disappears. On other occasions, 

 the parent, probably the attending male, puffs himself up 

 as it were into a ball of feathers ; at the same time strik- 

 ing his wings on the ground, and opening his capacious 

 mouth to its full extent, he stares wildly, and utters a 

 blowing hiss, like that of the Barn Owl when surprised 

 in his hole. On observing this grotesque manoeuvre, and 

 this appearance so unlike that of a volatile bird, we are 

 struck with the propriety of the metaphorical French 

 name of ' Crapaud vola?is,' or Flying Toad, which it in- 

 deed much resembles while thus shapelessly tumbling be- 

 fore the astonished spectator. The same feint is also 

 made when they are wounded, on being approached. 

 Like some of the other species, instinctively vigilant for 

 the safety of their misshapen and tender brood, they also 

 probably convey them or the eggs from the scrutiny of 

 the meddling observer. In our climate they have no 

 more than a single brood. 



Sometimes the Night-Hawk, before his departure, is 

 seen to visit the towns and cities, sailing in circles, and 

 uttering his squeak as he flies high and securely over 

 the busy streets, occasionally sweeping down, as usual, 

 with his whirring notes ; and at times he may be observ- 

 ed, even on the tops of chimneys, uttering his harsh call. 

 In gloomy weather, they are abroad nearly the whole 



