Open Nests in Woods, Thickets, Swampy Thickets 



416. Chuck-will's-widow: Antrostomus carolinensis 



(Gmel.) 



Breeding Range From Virginia southward ; most common in 

 Florida. 



This is a variety of the whip-poor-will breeding in the 

 warmer parts of the country. In general appearance it is much 

 the same, being somewhat larger, lighter in colour, and having 

 hair-like branches to the bristles at the base of the bill. Length 

 12.00. 



The eggs, two in number, are placed on the bare ground or 

 on leaves in thickets or woods. They are white or buff, mar- 

 bled with pale brown and lilac blotches and spots. Size 1.40 

 x i. oo. See Fig. 5, Plate A. 



One of the most peculiar things about this bird is its habit of 

 carrying its eggs, or young, from place to place, inside its enor- 

 mous mouth. In its habits it resembles the more northern spe- 

 cies ; the notes are slightly different, having one more syllable. 

 The nesting season begins about the first week in April. 



4 1 7. Whip-poor-will : Antrostomus vocif erus (Wils.) 



Adult $ The general colour is a mixture of rich browns, buff, 

 gray, and black, with a white or whitish band below the 

 throat, and white ends to the three outer tail feathers ; 

 mouth very large, with bristles at base of bill. The middle 

 toe is toothed on the inner side. 



Adult ? Has the white replaced by cream colour. Length 9.75. 



Breeding Range Throughout the northeastern States. 



The eggs are laid on the ground, generally among dry leaves, 

 with no pretence of a nest. The ground colour is creamy white 

 or grayish, with dark or very faint lilac and brown markings and 

 spots ; only two eggs are laid. Size 1. 18 x .84. 



There are few common eggs more difficult to find than those 

 of the Whip-poor-will. The bird matches to perfection, both in 

 colour and marking, the surroundings chosen for the nesting, or 

 I should perhaps say the ground on which the eggs are depos- 

 ited, there being no nest. The eggs also are decidedly incon- 



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