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the species is its scattering of the seeds of the poison oak and ivy and so 
aiding in the spread of these harmful plants. 
Order—Macrochires. Goatsuckers, Swifts, and Hummingbirds. 
In this order are grouped a number of birds that after further inves- 
tigation may be rearranged. The present classification of the American 
Ornithologists’ Union is avowedly tentative and adhered to only until 
a permanent system can be agreed upon. The various suborders of 
the division are more easily recognized by their differences than by their 
agreements, and those points in which they differ will be emphasized in 
the following descriptions. 
SUBORDER—CAPRIMULGI. GOATSUCKERS. 
This is a widely distributed suborder divided into a number of families. 
A description of the one family represented in North America will serve 
for the recognition of the native species. 
FAMILY—CAPRIMULGIDZ. GOATSUCKERS. 
General Description. The Goatsuckers have flattened heads, very small bills, and 
enormous mouths, with gape extending to behind the eye (Figure 38, p. 24). The 
feet are small and very weak and the middle claw pectinated or furnished with comb- 
like serrations as in the Herons (Figure 19, p. 21). The plumage is very soft in texture 
and coloured in wood browns, neutral buffs, and grey. 
Distinctions. The above characters should be sufficient to characterize this family 
as they are dissimilar to those of any other Canadian birds. 
The Goatsuckers were given their name from an old but mistaken 
belief that they sucked the milk from the goats in the pastures over which 
they were seen to wheel and circle, and their immense mouths and pink 
throats gave support to the popular impression. In truth the birds that 
frequented the pastures were hawking for flying insects that had been 
attracted by the animals. The birds of this family are nocturnal or cre- 
puscular. They feed entirely upon insects caught on the wing and seldom 
come to ground except to nest or for repose. Their feet are too small 
and weak to clasp a branch securely and in perching they normally sit 
on large branches, lengthwise of them instead of crosswise, as do most 
birds. 
416. Chuck-will’s Widow. FR.—ENGOULEVENT DE LA CAROLINE. Antrostomus 
carolinensis. L, 12. A large Whip-poor-will. See next species. 
Distinctions. Size; it is a considerably larger bird than the Whip-poor-will; the 
long bristles about the mouth with hair-like branches at their base instead of being clean 
and bare throughout their length. 
Distribution. The southern states. Of accidental occurrence within our borders. 
The basis for the inclusion of this bird here is the taking of a specimen 
at Pelee point on lake Erie and another at Pictou, Nova Scotia. It is 
rare and is similar to the Whip-poor-will in appearance, habits, and notes. 
417. Whip-poor-will. ©FR.—L’ENGOULEVENT CRIARD. Antrostomus vociferus. L, 
9-75. Coloured in soft indefinite patterns of wood-browns and greys with suggestions 
of rufous and ochre. There is little broad pattern in the colouring, but much fine detail. 
On the underparts there is only a faint suggestion of barring, and the coloration of the 
whole bird is like that of a great brown moth. 
