472 GOATSUCKERS. 



occasions the parent, probably the attending male, puffs him- 

 self up as it were into a ball of feathers; at the same time 

 striking 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 volans, or 

 Flying Toad, which this bird indeed much resembles while 

 thus shapelessly tumbling before the astonished spectator. 

 The same feint is also made when he is wounded, on being 

 approached. Like some of the other species, instinctively 

 vigilant for the safety of their misshapen and tender brood, 

 these birds 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 Nighthawk, 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 observed, even on the tops of chim- 

 neys, uttering his harsh call. In gloomy weather these birds 

 are abroad nearly the whole day, but are most commonly in 

 motion an hour or two before dusk. Sometimes indeed they 

 are seen out in the brightest and hottest weather, and occa- 

 sionally, while basking in the sun, find means to give chase to 

 the Cicindelij Carabij and other entirely diurnal insects, as 

 well as grasshoppers, with which they often gorge themselves 

 in a surprising manner ; but they probably seldom feed more 

 than an hour or two in the course of the day. On Wappatoo 

 Island, at the estuary of the Wahlamet, they were till the loth 

 of September numerous and familiar, alighting often close to 

 the dwellings, in quest probably of crawling insects which come 

 out in the dark. 



About the middle of August they begin their migrations 

 towards the south, on which occasion they may be seen in the 

 evening moving in scattered flocks consisting of several hun- 



