DEXTIEOSTEES. 



541 



The Night-jar is a bird of evil omen in the estimation of our 

 rural population : such it has been considered since the days of 

 Aristotle, and possibly even further back. The reverse should be 

 the case, for the benefit it produces by clearing the air of noxious 

 insects is incalculable. 



The GuACHAROS are singular birds, which were first described 

 by MM. Humboldt and Bonpland as being found in the interior 

 of a vast Columbian cavern — the Grotto of Caripe. Their hooked 

 bill and general aspect are more robiist than the Night-jars, for 



Fig. 245. — The >'iglit-jar {Caprimu/ffus europteiis, S\v.). 



they more resemble birds of prey. They inhabit in thousands the 

 deep recesses of the caverns of the Cumana Chain, hanging to 

 the walls by their pointed claws. In these caves, which they 

 only leave during the night, they build their nests. Unlike 

 their congeners, they feed only on grain and seeds. The Indians 

 of Caripe enter these sombre domains from time to time, and make 

 raids upon their ranks, for they are deservedly esteemed as great 

 delicacies. 



DeNTIROSTRI'S. 



The Passerhw Dentirostres are characterised b}^ a bill more or 

 less strong, compressed on each side of the point. They feed on 

 berries and insects, and comprehend numerous genera, including 

 the Fly-catchers [Muscicajndce), the Mauakins [Piprince)^ tha 



