lOa EUSSET-NEGKED NIGHTJAR. 



CHELIDONES. 



Familj/ CAPEIMULGID^. fBojiaparte.J 



Genus Caphimulgus. ( LinncBus.) 



Generic Characters. — Beak very short, flexible, depressed, slightly curved, 

 and cleft to beyond the eyes; superior mandible hooked at the point; fur- 

 nished with stiff bristly hairs directed forwards. Nostrils basal, large, closed 

 by a membrane, and partly covered by the feathers of the forehead. Feet 

 Avith three toes in front and one behind; the anterior toes united as far as 

 the first articulation by a membrane; the hind toe reversible; claws short, 

 except that of the middle toe, which is long and serrated, so as to form a 

 comb. Tail rounded or forked, composed of ten quills. Wings long; first 

 primary shorter than the second, which is the longest. 



RUSSET-NECKED NIGHTJAR. 



Caprimulgus riijicollis. 



Caprt'niulgus riificoUis, Temminck. 



" riifitorques, Vieillot. 



" torquahis, Brehm. Gray, H. L., No. 614. 



Scoiomu lri?nactdatus, Swainson ; Birds of Africa, vol. ii. 



Eiigoulevent a collier roux, Of the French. 



Halsbandziegcn7nclker, Of the Germans. 



Specific Characters. — A collar of russet extending from the cheeks round 

 the back of the neck, and joining on each side in front to a white spot 

 on the throat; first primary shorter than the third. Plumage having a 

 general rufous tint. Length twelve inches; carpus to tip eight inches; 

 tarsus one inch; middle toe one inch; claw pectinated. Beak from gape 

 fourteen lines; breadth at base one inch; tail six inches and a half. 



The Eedj or^ as I prefer calling it, the Russet-necked Nightjar, is 

 a native of Africa, being occasionally found in various parts of Europe. 



