TiiF-: MiciiT.iAi?, 



FAMILY CAPRIMULGID^Iv 



EXTERNALLY the Nightjars agree with the vSwifts in having a small bill, 

 wide gape, ten primaries, and the same nnmber of tail-feathers; but 

 according to the late Prof. Huxley they differ considerably in the modifications of 

 their cranial bones. Jerdou says that their general anatomy is much like that of 

 the Cuckoos, and Seebohm observes that the muscles and digestive organs approach 

 those of the Bee-eaters aud Rollers. 



In the sober soft colouring of their plumage the Nightjars somewhat resemble 

 the Owls, whilst their long tails more nearly approach those of the Cuckoos : they 

 are almost cosmopolitan, but are absent from the Arctic regions, from New Zealand, 

 and Polynesia. 



In their habits these birds are chiefly nocturnal, they frequent not only open 

 moorland and heath, but also well wooded countr)\ They lay their eggs, usually 

 two in number, on the bare ground. Their food consists of insects caught upon 

 the wing. 



Although there are about ninety species of Nightjars, only one genus — 

 Caprimulgus — chiefly characterized b}' its numerous and strong rictal bristles, is 

 represented in our islands. Of this genus three species have been obtained ; but 

 only one, in my opinion, has a right to be called a British bird, onlj- a single 

 example of each of the others having been known to visit us. 



Whether it would be possible to keep Nightjars in aviaries, it is difficult to 

 say without experiment ; but it seems extremely improbable ; and, in anj- case, 

 the result would be most unsatisfactoiy : that these birds can be reared from the 

 nest and kept for a time in a cage has been proved in German}', but I should 

 expect them to behave in the same manner as the Hirundinida — gorge to repletion 

 and take little or no exercise : moreover, being practicalh- birds of darkness, the\- 

 must be almost as dull as Owls in the da3-time, and the aviculturist having neither 

 bright plumage nor song to compensate him for his trouble in fostering them, 

 must be satisfied to keep aud worr}- over them simph- for show purposes — which, 

 to my mind, is one of the worst purposes to which anj- bird-keeper can devote his 

 leisure time. 



