NIGHTHAWK 189 



flock of several thousand Niglithawks may some- 

 times be seen in the sky in the fall migrations, 

 and if they all are blessed with such healthy ap- 

 petites it can be imagined how effectively they 



Fig. 99. 

 Wing of Nighthawk. 



thin the ranks of the unhappy insects that lie in 

 their path. 



The aerial evolutions of the Nighthawk are re- 

 markable. It soars and it flaps, it twists and it 

 turns, it mounts perpendicularly into the air — 

 all with graceful ease ; and in the nesting season 

 its performances are a seven days' wonder for all 

 beholders. When high in air it shoots down 

 almost to the earth, and then, turning abruptly, 

 ascends to the same heights. In diving, the air 

 is forced through its wings, making a booming 

 sound. Its usual note is a sharp eek or 2^cejit, 

 and may be heard of an evening in Washington, 

 New York, or other of the cities, for the birds 

 find good nesting-places on the flat roofs of city 

 houses. 



The Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will belong to 

 the same family, and their tints suggest the 



