6o OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



NIGHTJAR (CapHmulgus europceus). 



Mid-May to September. Most abundant in the 

 southern counties ; rarer towards the North. 



Haunts. — Commons, moors, stony wastes, &c. ; near 

 woods, especially where bracken is abundant. 



Plumage. — Ash-grey, barred and spotted with black, 

 brown, and cinnamon ; white tips to the outer tail- 

 feathers, and large white spots on the inner web of the 

 first three primaries ; middle toe pectinated ; gape very 

 wide ; rictal bristles strongly developed. Bill dark 

 horn-brown. Legs horn-brown. Length lo J in. Female, 

 white spots less distinct and less bright. Young, spots 

 on wing and tail buff. 



Language. — It makes a most extraordinary sound, 

 which may be called purring, reeling, spinning, or 

 vibrating ; a good idea may be obtained by vibrating 

 the tongue against the roof of the mouth, only the bird's 

 noise is louder ; it also reminds one of a policeman's 

 rattle, but not so loud. Call-note, " pee-ep." 



Habits. — When perched lengthwise — not crosswise as 

 in most birds — on a dead branch lying on the ground, it 

 provides an instance of protective resemblance, harmonis- 

 ing perfectly with the bark. Chiefly nocturnal, flying 

 round and round like a big moth in the dim light, 

 doubling here and turning there, uttering its weird note. 

 Very awkward on the ground, and if disturbed at once 

 takes wing. 



Food. — Moths and cockchafers, principally ; also 

 other kinds of insects. 



Nest. — June. One brood. 



Site. — On the ground, among bracken ; under 

 brambles ; frequently quite exposed. 



Materials. — None. 



