FISSIROSTHES. 51 



in number, and the number of quill-feathers in the tail is likewise 

 generally ten. 



This Order is divided into the following tribes : * 



TRIBE I. 

 FISSIROSTRES.t 



The Fissirostral Passerine birds constitute a small but very- 

 natural group, distinguished by the structure of their beak, which 

 is broad at the base, short, hooked at the tip, and opening with a 

 veiy wide gape, extending to beneath, or even beyond, the eyes, 

 and thus adapted to catch and swallow insects while on the wing. 

 It comprises two principal sections : the first including those 

 species that fly by night {Fissirostrcs nocturni) ; the other com- 

 prehending such as seek their food in the day-time {Fissirostres 

 diimii). The first of these sections embraces the Goatsuckers or 

 Night-jars ; the second, the extensive race of Swallows and Swifts. 



Sub-Tribe I. 

 NOCTURNAL FISSIROSTRES. FISSIROSTRES NOCTURNI. 



The birds belonging to this sub-tribe are remarkable for the 

 size of their eyes, which are very large, and easily dazzled by the 

 light of day, though well fitted to descry objects in the obscurity 

 of the evening. Their plumage is generally soft and fleecy, like 

 that of the owls, thus enabling them to fly without noise. 



FAMILY I. 

 THE GOATSUCKERS. CAPRIMULGID^. 



General Characteristics. — Bill short, depressed, very broad, gape extending 

 beneath the eyes ; toes long and rather strong, hind toe united to the base of the 

 inner toe. 



* See "Animal Creation," page 321. 

 t Fissus, cleji, and rostrum, a beak : cleft-beaks. 



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