GOATSUCKERS. S 11 



around the base of the tipper mandible, and some have the feathers 

 of the face radiated, like those of -the owls. 



The Goatsuckers are not sociable birds, living generally in pairs, 

 sleeping during the day, issuing from their nest with the setting sun, 

 or possibly earlier in gloomy weather, to chase the crepuscular and 



Fig. 224. Nest of the Esculent Swallow, 



nocturnal insects on which they feed. They move silently, and with 

 great rapidity. Some authors say that when on the wing they keep 

 the mouth open ; but this is not supported by facts, and is opposed 

 to reason. The insects they principally devour are moths, dragon- 

 flies, beetles, crickets, cockchafers, and mosquitoes. Their useful- 

 ness therefore is nearly equal to that of the Swallow. As they get 



