NIGHTJAR. 109 
miles away at Woodley. A few pairs breed in most 
parts of the Hill Country, and birds may be often seen 
in late summer hawking for insects on the highest 
moors. 
Considering the enormous wing-power of the Swift, 
it does not go far from the nest during the breeding 
season, but collects most of its food in a very restricted 
area, a number of birds generally breeding in close 
proximity, and feeding in company. 
ALPINE SWIFT. 
CYPSELUS MELBA (Linnzeus). 
[Byerley, in his Fawna of Liverpool, mentions, on the 
authority of Mather, a Liverpool taxidermist, that an 
Alpine Swift ‘was killed at the mouth of the Dee, many 
years ago, by Mr. Mostyn.’! He does not appear to 
have examined the bird himself; and as there is no 
evidence that it was submitted to a competent autho- 
rity, it is, in our opinion, wisest to consider this occur- 
rence as ‘not proven. ’| 
FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDA. 
NIGHTJAR. 
CAPRIMULGUS EUROPAUS, Linneeus. 
Goatsucker, Fern Owl, Evening Jar, Jenny Spinner, 
Night Hawk. 
The Nightjar usually arrives in Cheshire about the 
third week in May, and its churring notes may be 
heard in open woodlands and on the heaths throughout 
1 Byerley, op. cit. p. 16. 
