182 



BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



young poultry is simply absurd, as it requires only a careless examina- 

 tion of a specimen to prove conclusively that it would be physically im- 

 possible for them to capture such prey. 



The great mistake of applying improper vernacular names to birds, 

 was clearly demonstrated during the enforcement of the scalp act of 

 1885, when commissioners, of whom I have knowledge, took the stand 

 that they were obliged to allow bounty on the Nighthawk, because it was 

 known as a " hawk." 



Audubon writing of this species states that the food consists entirely 

 of insects, especially beetles, although they also feed on moths and cat- 

 erpillars, and are very expert in catching crickets and grasshoppers, 

 with which they sometimes gorge themselves, as they fly over the ground 

 with great rapidity. " When flying closely over the water they occa- 

 sionally drink in the manner of swallows." 



The food materials of eleven of these birds are given in the following 

 table: 



SUBORDER CYPSELI SWIFTS. 



FAMILY MICROPODID^E. SWIFTS. 



SUBFAMILY CH.3E TURING. SPIN K-TAI LED SWIFTS. 



GENUS CENTURA STEPHENS. 

 Chsetura pelagica (LiNN.)- 



Chimney Swiit; Chimney-bird. 



DESCRIPTION {Plate 90). 



Bill small, gape large, but not bristled ; tail short, tarsus and toes naked ; wings 

 long ; length about 5| inches ; extent about 12J, ; wing about 5.10 ; sooty-brown, ex- 

 cept throat which is much paler than other parts ; wings blackish. 



Habitat. Eastern North America, north to Labrador and the Fur countries, west 

 to the plains, and passing south of the United States in winter. 



The Chimney-bird, unless resting on its nest or clinging to the sooty 

 chimney sides, is always seen flying. In Pennsylvania these birds are 

 generally first observed about the last week in April. In the early au- 



