138 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
the leaves and branches of trees. The different species of measuring- 
worms, and mature forms of noctuids and tineids among lepidoptera, con- 
stitute a considerable portion of their diet. But as they grow older, and 
are able to feed themselves, they devour immense numbers of ants and 
grasshoppers. When first hatched, in their helplessness, they depend for 
safety upon the close similarity which obtains between them and their 
immediate surroundings. 
The eggs of this species are elliptical, being nearly or quite equal at 
both extremities. The ground-color is a pure creamy-white, and is irreg- 
ularly scratched and marbled all over with reddish-brown and purplish- 
lavender lines and blotches, the former predominating. There is consider- 
able variation in the intensity of coloration, some specimens being heavily 
marked, while others, from the faintness of the tracery, appear bleached 
or faded. Eggs from New England measure from 1.21 to 1.26 inches in 
length, and from .75 to .78 in width ; from the Middle States they average 
1.26 by .89 ; while specimens from the South and the North-west offer no 
material differences. In many particulars these eggs resemble those of the 
Chuck-will’s-widow, but are purer and more beautiful. There is also a 
notable resemblance to the eggs of the two European Goatsuckers, which 
is what the real scientist would naturally expect. In the drawing, the eggs 
are represented the natural size, and by the side of a fallen log. The 
male is considerably reduced, and may be readily distinguished from his 
partner by the white collar of the throat, and by his larger size. He 
measures ten inches in length, and has an expanse of wings of six and a 
half inches. The female is proportionally diminished, and is chai’acterized 
by a light fulvous gorget, and in the absence of the white patch of the 
tail. 
