60 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus 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 10 Jin. 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. 



