408 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



El Paso, Mr. Clark saw these birds congregated in such quantities over a 

 mud-hole from which were issuing myriads of insects, that he felt that the 

 discharge among them of nmstard-seed shot would involve a wanton destruc- 

 tion. This species is not known, according to his account, to make a swoop 

 in the manner of the common species. It does not utter the same hoarse 

 sounds, nor does it ever fly so high. 



Among the notes of the late Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, we find refer- 

 ences to this species, to which he gives the common name of Pauraque, and 

 in his collection of eggs are many that unquestionably are those of this 

 bird, and which are, in all respects but size, in close affinity to the eggs of 

 the common Night-Hawk. These eggs measure 1.18 inches in length by 

 .87 of an inch in breadth. Their ground-color, seen through a magnifying 

 glass, is of clear crystal whiteness, but is so closely covered by overlaying 

 markings as not to be discernible to the eye. They are marked over the entire 

 surface with small irregular conlluent spots and blotches, which are a blend- 

 ing of black, umber, and purplish-gray markings. Tliese combinations give 

 to the egg the appearance of a piece of polished marble of a dark gray color. 

 They are both smaller and of a lighter color than those of the common 

 eastern bird. 



Genus ANTROSTOMUS, Gould. 



Antrostomus, Gould, Icones Avium, 1838. (Type, Ccqn'iniulgus caroUnensis, Gm.) 



Gen. Char. Bill very small, with tubular nostrils, and the gaj^e with long, stiff, some- 

 times pectinated bristles projecting beyond the end of the bill. Tarsi moderate, partly 



feathered above. Tail broad, round- 

 ed ; wings broad and rounded ; first 

 quill shorter than third ; plumage soft 

 and lax. Habit nocturnal. 



In what the genus Antrostoinus 

 really differs from Caprimulgus 

 proper, we are quite unable to 

 say, as in the many variations 

 of form of both New and Old 

 World species of these two di- 

 visions respectively, it is said to 

 be not difficult to find species in 

 each, almost identical in form. In the want of suitable material for com- 

 parison, we shall follow Sclater in using Antrostomus for the New World 

 species. 



Antrostomus nuttal'i. 



