PASSERES — CAPRIMULGID^E — CAPRIMUI.GUS. 33 



Description. Mouth beset with numerous bristles, the longest of which extend half an inch 

 beyond the point of the bill. Tail much rounded ; the exterior feathers nearly an inch and a 

 half longer than the central ones. 



Color. Plumage variegated and sprinkled with black, soiled white and rust-colored spots 

 and streaks. Scapulars light yellowish, with a few oblique spots of black. Wings beautifully 

 spotted with very light and dark brown ; the quills spotted in bars witli rufous. Tail with 

 the three outer feathers (in the male) white at the extremities for half their length ; but in the 

 female, light rufous instead of white. Chin black, with small brown spots. 



Length, 9*0. Spread of wings, 19*0. 



The Whippoorwill, called " Quok-korr-ee " by our Dutch progenitors, appears in this State 

 by the latter end of April, or later, according to the season. It is found occasionally as high 

 as the 48th degree of north latitude, but its southern limits have not been ascertained. Au- 

 dubon asserts that it is never heard and scarcely ever seen in Louisiana. It breeds in this 

 State, placing its nest on or near the ground, and laying two or three bluish white eggs with 

 numerous dark olive and bluish blotches. Every one is familiar with the plaintive notes of 

 the bird, who, in the language of one of our poets, 



" Mourns unseen, and ceaseless sings 

 Ever a note of wail and woe." 



They are strictly nocturnal in their habits, and feed exclusively on winged insects. 



(EXTRALIMITAL.) 



C. carolinensis. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, pi. 41.) Bristles shorter than the bill. Tail rounded, an 

 inch longer than the wings: 3 outer tail-feathers white on the inner webs near the tip. Length, 

 12 inches. Southern Slates. 



[Fauna — Part 2.] 



