THE BIRDS 223 



poorwill (Antrostomus vociferus) occurs, sleeping by day, 

 but active at night. Neither of these birds constructs nests, 

 but lays its streaked and mottled eggs directly on the 

 ground. The chimney- swifts (Chcetura pelagica), swallow- 

 like in general form and habits, but very unlike the swallows 



FIG. 127. Anna hummers (one day old), showing short bill and small size of body. 

 Compare with last joint of little finger. 



in structure, frequent hollow trees or unused chimneys, to 

 which they attach their shallow nests. The nearly related 

 humming-birds are chiefly natives of tropical America, only 

 a few species extending into the United States. Of these 

 the little, brilliantly colored, and pugnacious ruby throat 

 (Trochilus colubris) is the most widely distributed. Its 

 nest, like that of other hummers, is composed of moss and 

 lichens bound together with cobweb and lined with down. 



210. Perching birds (Passeres). The remaining birds, 

 over six thousand in all, belong to one order, the Passeres 

 or perch ers. They are characterized by great activity, 

 interesting habits, frequently by exquisite powers of song, 

 and in addition to several other structural arrangements 

 have the feet adapted for perching. Their nesting habits 

 37 



