GOATSUCKERS. 307 



considered by collectors rare. As it is, they are known to 

 be common at various points throughout New England, as 

 well as other parts of the country ; but their distribution is 

 probably irregular and local. They reach the neighborhood 

 of Boston in the latter part of May, and leave it before or 

 soon after the arrival of autumn. In habits they differ from 

 the Night " Hawks " very distinctly, though, according to 

 Wilson, the two species ^vere once confused even by natural- 

 ists.* They are strictly nocturnal, unless occasionally active 

 towards the end of a cloudy afternoon. During the day, they 

 retire to some well-shaded spot in the woods (or occasionally 

 the "scrub"), and there repose, resting on the ground, or, 

 more often, perched upon a limb. Their feet are so small 

 and weak that they never (?) perch crosswise, but lie along 

 the bough. I have but rarely found them sleeping, but on 

 such occasions I have always observed this ^peculiarity. Like 

 most of the Owls, they are dazed by a strong light, and in the 

 day-time usually allow a near approach. At evening they 

 become active, and are said to continue so until dawn, partic- 

 ularly on moonlight nights. They are never, I believe, quite 

 so gregarious as the Night " Hawks " very often are, though 

 in spring there is rivalry between the males, who seem to chal- 

 lenge one another. The Whippoorwills also prefer to fly near 

 the ground, rather than among the clouds or at any great 

 height. Hence their food must differ considerably from that 

 of their relative. Audubon in speaking of this species says : 

 " It passes low over the bushes, moves to the right or left, 

 alights on the ground to secure its prey, passes repeatedly 

 and in different directions over the same field, sjcims along 

 the skirts of the woods, and settles occasionally on the 

 tops of the fence-stakes or on stumps of trees, from whence it 

 sallies, like a Flycatcher, after insects, and, on seizing them, 

 returns to the same spot. When thus situated, it frequently 

 alights on the ground, to pick up a beetle. Like the Chuck- 

 will's-widov/, it also balances itself in the air, in front of the 

 trunks of trees, or against the side of banks, to discover ants, 



* They are still very generally regarded by country people throughout New 

 England as one and the same bird. — W. B. 



