THE CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW. 89 
sedom seen beyond the limits of the Carolinas, 
but abounds in the lower portions of Alabama 
and Georgia. Repairing thither from Mexico 
and still warmer regions, it may be regarded as 
the sign of Spring. The resorts of these birds 
are deep ravines, shady swamps and pine ridges. 
If surprised in their roosting places—for the 
most part the hollows of trees, where they lodge, 
in company with bats—instead of trying to 
make their escape, they heroically assume the 
defensive, retire to the farthest corners of their 
retreat, ruffle all their feathers in great rage, and 
open their mouths to the widest while they utter, 
menacingly, a snakelike hissing. These birds 
show a remarkable attachment to certain loca- 
lities for their rest or enjoyment. Like the 
whip-poor-will, so accustomed are they to take 
their ease in a dim retreat till twilight, that, if 
seized and brought to the light of day, they open 
and shut their eyes, as though unable to bear it 
As swift as its relative when on wing, the flight 
of the chuck-will’s-widow is even more grace- 
ful and elevated. It is performed by easy flap- 
pings, combined with sailing and curving mo- 
tions, so elegant, that when seen soaring in the 
air over cotton fields or sugar plantations, mount- 
ing and descending with the dexterity and grace 
of a Taglioni, accompanying its evolutions with 
a low murmuring sound, it seems a very flying 
