190 GOATSUCKEBS, SWIFTS, ETC. 



Grouse, wood-colors being the most effective dis- 

 guise for birds that nest on the ground. As a 

 family the Goatsuckers are 

 perhaps more crepuscular 



than any birds except Owls. 

 FIG. 100. They are in the game order 



Slender wing of Hum- ,1 ,r o , / -ri ^ 



. . . , with the Swifts (see Plate 



mingbird. 



II. p. 24), and like them have 



peculiarly small bills and wide, gaping throats, 

 whose doors they throw wide open as, like de- 

 vouring monsters, 

 they mow their 

 way through a 

 cloud of insects. 

 The Whip-poor- 

 FlG - 101 - wills, in addition 



Short, thick wing of Sparrow. to ^^ enormous 



mouths, have long, stiff bristles at the base of 

 the bill, that may be effective aids in holding 

 squirming June bugs and such uneasy prey. 



FIG. 102. 

 Long, slender wing of Swallow. 



The Swallows are our only birds that approach 

 the Goatsuckers and Swifts in form of bill and 



