(33 ) 



the name of Night Jar, from the harsh noise it makes when flying 

 about towards evening. 



In the latter part of May the female commences laying. The 

 eggs, two in number, are pointed at both ends, the color dull white, 

 spotted all over with dull olive, and shaded with pale blue, and are 

 placed on the ground, usually in a cultivated field. 



From the formation of its feet and legs, which are too short to 

 grasp the branches, it is always observed, when perched, sitting- 

 lengthwise. In the latter part of August it migrates southward.— 

 Its flesh is esteemed excellent. 



FAMILY CYPSELIN^. 



SWIFTS. 



GENUS CH^TURA — STEPHENS. 



SPINE-TAIL. 



[Bill extremely short, very broad at base — upper mandible slightly notched at 

 tip — mouth opening to beneath the hind part of the eyes ; feet remarkably short 

 — toes divided—hind toe versatile — wings extremely long — tail of ten feathers.] 



CH^TURA PELASGIA— LINN. 

 CHIMNEY SWALLOW, OR AMERICAN SWIFT. 



Chimney Swallow, Hirundo pelasgia, Wils. Amer. Orn. 



Cypselus pelasgia, Bonap. Syn. 



Chimney Swift or Swallow, Cypselus pelasgius, Nutt. Man. 



Chimney Swallow or American Swift, Cypselus pelasgius, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character — General color sooty brown ; the shafts of 

 the tail feathers continue beyond the webs, and terminate with sharp 

 points. Length four inches and a half, wing five and one eighth. 



The Chimney Swallov/, so called from the habit of building its 

 nest in unoccupied chimneys, is, like the rest of its tribe, migratory. 

 It arrives among us in the early part of May, and soon commences 

 the formation of its nest, the materials of which are small dry sticks, 

 glued against the wall with saliva. 



On the authority of that distinguished traveller, General William 

 5 



