THE chuck-will's-widow. 39 



seldom seen beyond the limits of the Carolinas, 

 but abounds in the lower portions of Alabama 

 and Georgia. Repairing thither from Mexico, 

 and still warmer regions, it may be regai'ded as 

 the sign of Spring. The resorts of these birds 

 are deep ravines, shady swamps and pine ridges. 

 If surprised in their roosting places — ^for the 

 most part the hollows of trees, where they lodge, 

 in company with bats — instead of trying to 

 make their escape, they heroically assume the 

 defensive, retire to the farthest corners of their 

 retreat, ruffle all their feathers in great rage, and 

 open their mouths to the widest while they utter, 

 menacingly, a snakelike hissing. These birds 

 show a remarkable attachment to certain loca- 

 lities for their rest or enjoyment. Like the 

 whip-poor-will, so accustomed are they to take 

 their ease in a dim retreat till twilight, that, if 

 seized and brought to the light of day, they open 

 and shut their eyes, as though unable to bear it. 

 As swift as its relative when on wing, the flight 

 of the chuck-will's-widow is even more grace- 

 ful and elevated. It is performed, by easy flap- 

 pings, combined with sailing and curving mo- 

 tions, so elegant, that when seen soaring in the 

 air over cotton fields or sugar plantations, mount- 

 ing and descending with the dexterity and grace 

 of a Taglioni, accompanying its evolutions with 

 a low murmuring sound, it seems a very flying 



