PERCHING BIRDS. 



155 



forward, and the claw of the longest anterior toe has a 

 long, comb-like projection, as seen in Fig. 126. The use 



Fig. 126. Foot of European Goatsucker. 



of this is not ascertained. There is but one species of 

 this family known in Great Britain, and this appears in 

 all parts of Europe. There are several species in this 

 country, one of them being the Whippoorwill and anoth- 

 er the Night-hawk. They all have the mottled colors and 

 large dark eyes which are so characteristic of night birds.. 

 256. The Swallows are characterized by great power 

 of wing, wide mouths, and short legs. The plumage of 

 their bodies is firm and close, their wing feathers are 

 long, stiff, and pointed, and their tails are long and fork- 

 ed, all which are adapted to great speed. The Swift, 

 Fig. 127, called "Jack Screamer," is the largest of Brit- 

 ish Swallows. It spends most of the day on the wing, 



Fig. 127. The Swift 



