96 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



The egg of the Nightjar, however, is equally rounded at either 

 end, and, as this species only lays a clutch of two eggs, there is 

 no necessity for it to produce a pyriform egg, as such a large 

 bird can easily cover the two eggs, or young. But what I cannot 

 understand is that, whilst the young of most species of birds 

 which nest upon, or close to, the groUnd, and, in addition, Moor- 

 hens, Coots, Waders, Ducks, and probably some others, are able 

 to run or swim about and take care of themselves as soon as 

 hatched, the young of the Nightjar are helpless for several days, 

 and remain where they are hatched until such time as they can 

 shift for themselves. What is the explanation of this ? Being 

 so helpless for several days, young Nightjars are, in consequence, 

 more subject to attack by Stoats, Weasels, Foxes, Rats, and other 

 creatures, provision against which has, however, been made by 

 the other species I have mentioned. The wonder to me is that 

 the Nightjar survives as well as it does, but, being nocturnal is, 

 I presume, one reason why it keeps up its numbers. 



I have a note respecting the Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida) which 

 has always puzzled me, and it is this. Both sexes are equally 

 beautiful ; it is, I suppose, the most handsome species we have 

 in Britain. Can any light be thrown upon the pairing habits 

 of this species, in view of the fact that brilliant attire and song 

 rivalry do not seem to enter into consideration ? Is it not 

 remarkable to note, too, that, in spite of the brilliant attire of 

 this species, and its pure glossy-white eggs, the nest and its sur- 

 roundings are often of a filthy description ? 



I pass by the Owls with the remark that it has long puzzled 

 me why those species that are nocturnal in this country utter 

 such loud notes. Are these notes sexual calls, or are they uttered 

 for the purpose of disturbing prey ? Do the notes, on the other 

 hand, have a reverse effect, e.g. send the prey scuttling to cover ? 

 Surely the notes would not be uttered so persistently if the latter 

 theory held good ? Owls possess a soft, noiseless flight which is 

 essential for hunting purposes under cover of darkness, and, at 

 first sight, one would imagine that vocal quietude would also 

 be an essential, but this does not appear to be the case. It may 

 be asked, too, why are the Little Owl (Carine noctua) and the 

 Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) diurnal as well as nocturnal 

 in their habits ? 



In the Hawks and their kin the female is much the larger of 

 the two sexes. This is particularly noticeable in the Sparrow 

 Hawk (Accipter nisus}. What is the reason for this ? 



