78 A GRICOT/FBRAL. COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. 



185-417-(397). Antrostomns vociferns (Wils.). *Whip-pook-wiix. 



Common; throughout the Lower Peninsula; April to Sept.; E. E. Brewster reports 

 it common at Iron Mountain; "Keweenaw Point" (Kneeland); "common at Traverse 

 City, where it breeds" (L. W. Watkins); reported from Benzie and Presque Isle 

 Counties and from Mackinac Island; breeds; nests in June, on the ground, in slight 

 hollows or on leaves; eggs two, grayish white, spotted with varying shades of lilac; 

 it is well known by its note at night, which gives it its common name; this note is 

 heard at all hours of the night and at long distances. 



Genus CHORDEILES Swain. 



Night Hawk, reduced. 



186-4:20-(399). t'hordeiles virginianns (Gmel.). *Nighthawk; Goatsuckek; 

 Bule Bat. 

 Very common; throughout the state; seen flying towards nightfall; May to Sept.; 

 "common at Traverse City" (W. L. Watkins); "Mackinac Island" (S. E. White); 

 " Keweenaw Point" (Kne"eland); " common at Iron Mountain" (E. E.Brewster); breeds; 

 nests as does the last species, except it nests in open fields, and often on houses in cities; 

 "breeds at Traverse City " (L. W. Watkins); eggs two, dirty white specked with varying 

 shades of brown and drab; often confounded with the Whip-poor-will, but has longer 

 wings, with snowy white spots beneath, and lacks the coarse hair about the bill. Dr. 

 Atkins reports seeing a flock with thousands of birds in August, 1868. The bird has 

 the strange habit of darting down, when it makes a booming sound, which doubtless 

 gave rise to one of its common names; "this bird perches lengthwise of the limb" (J. 

 W. Simmons); Dr. J. B. Steere writes me that this highflier is often seen in cities and 

 often commences flying early in the afternoon. He further adds that it nests on the 

 flat roofs in the city of Detroit. Mr. J. B. Purdy writes me that this and the preced- 

 ing species are becoming less abundant at Plymouth. " In the spring of 1889, many of 

 these birds perished from starvation in Kent county. The insects for some reason 

 were very scarce " (S. E. White). 



