BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
135 
ture their prey without startling it, they must move on swift and noiseless 
pinions, and with the greatest caution. Their jDrey often being large, a 
wide gape of mouth is necessary. Everything, even down to the minutest 
details of structure, declare their eminent fitness for the part which they 
have to play in the role of life. 
Such a decided partiality has our friend for the lovely woods, that he 
seldom forsakes its time-honored precincts for the open field. The sombre 
shadows cast by the motionless or quivering leaves upon the ground, and 
the melancholy streaks of light which fitfully play through the spaces be- 
tween them, combined with the dark colors of the leaves that repose upon 
the soil beneath, produce a sort of gray and mellow light which beauti- 
fully harmonizes with the sober tints of these birds, and thus adds to their 
protection. In our travels we have frequently surprised an individual in 
his slumbers only a few paces away. Alarmed at this unexpected intru- 
sion, the bird would wing its somewhat uncertain flight on swift and 
noiseless pinions to a place a few hundred feet distant, where it would 
alight upon a branch, or on the ground. After indicating the spot by a 
fallen log, or an adjoining bush, we would stealthily and quietly approach 
the place, straining our vision all the while in hopes of gaining a glimpse 
of the squatting bird. But before the desire could be gratified, the object 
of our search would become apprised of our presence, and take to wing. 
Again and again we have made the attempt to steal upon the bird 
unawares, but it invariably failed in accomplishment, even when the great- 
est caution was observed. The means which these birds employ for the 
detection of danger are both remarkable and wonderful. The visual organs 
being ill-suited to the bright light of day, and even the mellowed glow of 
the woods being seemingly too powerful a stimulus, it certainly depends 
upon other functions than those of sight. The sense of hearing being 
well-developed, may not this function be called into requisition at such 
times ? 
The common appellation of this species is derived from the cry which 
it emits at night. This cry has a slight resemblance to whip-poor-will, 
