AVES. 319 



arrives in the United States early in May, and is distributed throughout 

 the entire Union. The birds of this species build their nests exclusively 

 in unoccupied chimneys, for which they have, of course, abandoned the 

 locations used by them prior to the introduction of chimneys into this 

 newly settled countr3% previous to which memorable event they appear to 

 have been quite content with such accommodations as were afforded by 

 hollow trees. It is very remarkable, however, that these birds have, with- 

 out any exception whatever, uniformly adopted the chimneys as fast as 

 the settlement of the country has proceeded ; and that, at this time, in the 

 thickly populated Northern States, though this species is abundant, not a 

 single pair have been observed to resort to the woods in many years. It 

 is an exceedingly active little bird and a very fast flyer, and is known 

 to the whole population of North America. 



In Europe, two large species are found. They are about the size of the 

 American purple martin, which is a namesake of the European species. 

 The black martin of Europe {Cypselus apus) is very common, and, though 

 so much larger, resembles the chimney swallow, though it builds its nest 

 much like the swallows in old buildings or the crevices of rocks. The other 

 species, the alpine martin, C. melha (pi. 103,^^'-. 8), is not so common, being 

 restricted to the mountainous districts of the continent, where it makes its 

 nest and rears its young. 



The little birds which construct eatable nests are arranged here. They 

 compose the genus Collocalia, and are among the smallest of the swallow 

 family. The nests of several species are cooked in a great variety of 

 styles by the Chinese and Japanese, and are highly esteemed. 



Several species found in India (genus Macroptei-yx) are remarkable for 

 beauty of plumage and gracefulness of form. 



Fam. 2. CAPRiMULGiDiE, OR GoATsucKERs. Bill vcry Small and generally 

 weak ; gape very wide and extending beneath the eye. Tarsi and feet 

 very short ; toes long and sometimes strong. Plumage soft and loosely 

 imbricated. 



This extensive family of birds is well represented by the common Whip- 

 poor-will and Night Hawk. It is composed exclusively of birds which like 

 them prefer the twilight of the evening, or even the darkness of night, in 

 which to pursue their prey or attend to the business of courtship and rear- 

 ing their young. 



The birds of this family are found in all parts of the world. 



Sub-fam. 1. Caprimulgin(s, or Night Hawks. Bill short and broad at 

 base, with the gape extending under the eye, and furnished with a series of 

 bristles on each side. Wings long and pointed ; tail rather lengthened, 

 mostly rounded, or sometimes deeply forked. Tarsi short and usually 

 clothed with velvet-like feathers ; toes long, the middle one of which is 

 always armed with a serrated claw. Size small. 



The species of this sub-family, which comprises the true CapriynulgidcB, 

 are scattered over the entire globe, and, although not numbering many 

 species, are yet sufficiently numerous in point of individuals to be univer- ' 

 sally known. They feed on moths and beetles, which they catch with 



£23 



