NIGHTJARS. 



31 



visitors, retiring on the approach of winter to 

 more genial climes. Many of the species are 

 distinguished for the brilliant hues which adorn 

 their plumage. 



HEAD OP NYCTIBIUS JAMAICENSIS. 



The six. Families of the Fissirostres are Capri- 

 mulgid&t Hirundinidce, Todidce, Trogonidce^ Alee- 

 dinidce, and Meropida. 



FAMILY I. CAPRIMULGID^E. 



(Nightjars.) 



The analogy between these birds and the Owls 

 has been observed not only by naturalists, but 

 even by the vulgar, as the common names of our 

 native species, Fern Owl, Churn Owl, &c., indi- 

 cate. Indeed, the nocturnal flight, the feathered 



