PICARIjE. 



NIGHTJAK, 



377 

 CAPRIMVLGTD/F.. 



Caprimulgus europ^us, LinnfEus*. 

 THE NIGHTJAR. 



Caprimulgus Europeus. 



Caprimulous, LinTKeiisf. — Bill very short, flexible, broad at the base, much 

 compressed at the point ; gape very wide, extending behind the large eyes ; 

 upper mandible decurved at the tip, and heset on each side with a row of move- 

 able bristles, directed forwards ; lower mandible upturned at the tip, so as to 

 meet the upper at the point, leaving an open space further back. Nostrils basal, 

 with a prominent membranaceous rim, clothed with very small feathers. Wings 

 long ; with ten primaries, the first shorter than the second, which is the longest. 

 Tail, of ten feathers, pretty long and slightly rounded. Legs weak ; tarsi short, 

 feathered in front for two-thirds of their length ; feet with three toes l)efore, one 

 behind, the anterior united as far as the first joint, the posterior turned inwards 

 at right angles, inner and outer toes equal, the latter with but four phalanges ; 

 claws short, except that of the middle toe, which is long and serrated on the 

 inner edge. 



Ryst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p ?AG (1766). 



t L'tr. rit. 



