426 



'PICARIAN' BIRDS 



Of the black-billed species apparently only a single British example 

 is known, namely, one killed in Antrim in the autumn of 1871. 



Nightjar 



(Caprimulgus 



europoeus). 



The nightjar, or goatsucker, as (from an old super- 

 stition) it is called in many parts of the country, 

 introduces us to a second group of " picarian " birds, 

 which is taken to include also the swifts ; the night- 

 jar typifying one family (Caprimulgid;v), and the swift a second 

 (Cypselidje). The members of both families are characterised b\" the 

 shortness of the beak and the great width of the gape ; characteristics 



THE ROWLAND 



MGHTJAK. 



which may, however, be merely special adaptations for capturing insects 

 in the air, as is the practice of all these birds. 



Among the distinctive characteristics of the nightjar ma}- be 

 mentioned not only the remarkable shortness of the beak and the 

 enormous mouth, fringed on each side by long bristles, but also the 

 partial union of the three front-toes and the comb-like, or serrated, 

 inner edge of the claw of the middle one. These features render 

 the species easily distinguishable from any other Ikitish bird ; while 

 the peculiar cry from which it takes its name affords equally easy 

 means of recognising it in the field. The colouring of the plumage, 

 which is eminently adapted for rendering the bird inconspicuous in its 

 favourite haunts on chalk or limestone cliffs, is by no means easy of 

 description. It may be said, however, to consist of a blend of dark 

 brown and buff streaks, spots, and bars, with a fine stippling of small 



