PASSERINE. 137 



HiRUTfDO, CuV. 



The Swallows proper have the toes and sternum disposed like those of the 

 Passerinse generally. In some of them the feet are invested with feathers 

 down to the nails; the thumb still exhibits a disposition to incline forward; 

 the tail is forked, and of a moderate size. 



There are some in which the tail is nearly square. Others have naked toes. 



Capkimulgus, Lin.(l) 

 The Goatsuckers have the same light, soft plumage, shaded with grey 

 and brown, that characterizes the noctiu-nal bu'ds. Their eyes are large; 

 the commissure of the beak extending still higher up than that of the Swal- 

 low, and furnished with stiff mustachios, is capable of engulphing the largest 

 insects, which are retained there by a glutinous saliva; the nostrils, formed 

 like small tubes, are at its base. Their wings are long; their feet short, 

 with feathered tarsi, and their toes united at base by a short membrane. 

 Goatsuckers live solitarily, and never venture abroad, except at twilight, and 

 in the night during fine weatlier. They hunt Phalense and other noctui-nal 

 insects, and lay a small number of eggs on the bare ground, without taking 

 any pains in tlie construction of a nest. The rushing of the air into their 

 immense mouth, while on tI^e wing, produces a very peculiar humming sound. 

 America produces several of these birds with a round or square tail, one 

 of which, C. vociferus (The Whip-Poor-Will), is celebrated on account of its 

 loud and peculiar cries in the spring of the year. 



FAMILY III. 



CONIROSTRES. 



The Conirostres comprehend genera with a strong beak, more or 

 less conical, and unemarginate; the stronger and thicker their beak, 

 the more exclusively is grain their food. The first genus to be 

 distinguished is, 



Alatjda, Lin. 



The Larks are known by the nail of their thumb, which is straight, strong, 

 and much longer than the others. They are granivorous bh-ds, and pul- 

 verators. They build on the ground, and generally keep there. 

 The beak of the greater number is straight, moderately stout and pointed. 



(1) Caprimulgus, Goatsucker, Mgothelas, names which derive their origin 

 from the whimsical idea, entertained by the people, of their sucking Goats 

 and even Cows. 



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