THE BIRD-LIFE OF LONDON 
the daytime amongst ferns and on heaps of stones, or 
perched motionless lengthwise, not across, some broad 
branch, where its mottled plumage makes it resemble a 
patch of lichen or dead moss, it remains inactive until 
sunset, when it sallies forth in quest of food. Its soft 
plumage renders its flight Owl-like and noiseless, and in a 
ghost-like way it beats to and fro along the wood-sides or 
over the open heaths and fern-brakes, under the trees, 
and round about feeding cattle, in quest of the moths, 
beetles, and other night-flying insects upon which it 
subsists. During the earlier months of its stay the 
Goatsucker is a somewhat garrulous bird, and at intervals 
utters a very singular cry whilst flying, resembling the 
syllables co-ic, co-ic, and when sitting a churring note, or 
loud purring, which rises and falls in cadence and may be 
heard for some distance. Sometimes the birds may be 
seen chasing and buffeting each other in the gloom, and 
often fly right overhead or just above the bracken, the 
sharp snap of the bill at intervals telling when an insect 
has been secured. Very rarely the Nightjar is seen 
abroad during daylight, usually when it has been dis- 
turbed, and then it seems only anxious to settle into 
cover again. ‘he short legs of this bird render its pro- 
gress upon the ground slow and awkward. It probably 
pairs for life, resorting to the same places yearly to breed, 
and although by no means gregarious several “‘ nests ”’ 
may frequently be found within a small area. ‘The 
Nightjar, however, does not make a nest, as the term is 
understood, but lays its two eggs on the bare ground, ona 
fallen tree-trunk, or on a stone-heap. ‘They are very 
beautiful objects, elongated in form and nearly oval, 
varying from white to pale cream in ground colour, 
mottled, blotched, streaked, and veined with various 
shades of brown and violet grey. Only one brood is 
reared in the season. 
The adult male Nightjar has the general colour of the 
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