36 BIRDS OF NELSON COUNTY. 



of the four hundred kinds known to inhabit the two 

 American continents, only one is found east of the Mis- 

 sissippi river. This particular little "winged gem" has 

 a curious habit, when just caught alive in the hand, of 

 "keeling over" on its back and feigning death, but they 

 always neglect to close their eyes and so rarely deceive 

 anyone. One spring, many years ago, dozens of them 

 frequented an extensive honeysuckle vine, in a large tree 

 within ten or twelve feet of the house, and at least 

 twenty of them, at different times, flew into the open 

 windows, and were captured, all of which invariably 

 "played possum" in the way above indicated, to the 

 great interest and amusement of the inmates of the house. 

 They can be easily tamed and taught to feed upon sugared 

 water, and make very interesting pets. 



Family CYPSELID^ : Swifts. 



Genus Chaetura. 



116. *Cbsturapekgica, CLm^i.). Chimney Swift. "Chim- 



ney Swallow." 

 An abundant summer resident ; arrives about April 10th. 

 A general favorite, all of whose habits are too well known 

 to bear repetition here. 



Family CAPRIMULGIDiE : Goat-suckers. 

 Genus Caprimulgus. 



117. iC&primulgus vociferus Wilson. Whip-poor-will. 



An uncommon summer resident. I have never heard it 

 in the vicinity of Bardstown. 



Genus Chordeiles. 



118. j-Chordelles virginianus (GrUEL.). Night Hawk. "Bull 



Bat." 

 Summer resident. Abundant in August and September, 



