THE NIGHTHAWK AND THE WHIPPOORWILL 



When this bird ahghts upon a tree to rest, it chooses a 

 large and nearly horizontal hmb, on which it usually sits 

 lengthwise. As it sits motionless on a large hmb, the bird 

 strongly resembles a knot. This is a transcontinental bird, 

 being found from the At- 

 lantic to the Pacific, in 

 wooded regions, and 

 northward to the Mac- 

 kenzie River. 



The Whippoorwill^ 

 needs no introduction. 

 It is more than a bird. 

 It is a national favorite. 



When the mantle of 

 night has fallen, and the 

 busy world is still, we 

 who are in the country in summer often hear a loud, clear, 

 melodious whistle from somewhere near the barn. As plainly 

 as print, it exclaims, " Whip-'Poor-WiW ! " and repeats it, 

 again and again. Before each regular call, there is a faint 

 "chuck," or catching of the breath, strong emphasis on the 

 "whip," and at the end a piercing whistle which is positively 

 thrilling. 



Sometimes the bird will come and perch within thirty feet 

 of your tent-door, and whistle at the rate of forty whippoor- 

 wills to the minute. Its call awakens sentimental reflections, 

 and upon most persons exercises a peculiar, soothing influence. 

 It has been celebrated in several beautiful poems and songs. 



' An-tros'to-mus vo-cif'er-tis. Length, about 9.50 inches. 



THE NIGHTHAWK. 



