GOATSUCKERS. 



51 



Nighthawk. Chorddles virginianus virginanus. 



The nighthawk, or "buUbat," occurs as a common migrant and a 

 rare and local summer resident. It arrives from the south about 

 the 20th of April, and migrating individuals are more or less common 

 for a month or more. In the fall the southward movement begins 

 late in August and continues through September, the birds being 

 most abundant during the latter month. The species is reported to 

 breed at Clinton, Pea Ridge, and near Newport. I observed it in 

 small numbers at Mena (May 24), Pettigrew (June 1), and Mammoth 

 Spring (June 15). A flock of 10 seen at Womble, May 22, may have 



Fig. 2. — Breeding area of the whippoorwill (ATUrosfomus vociferus) in Arkansas. 



been migrants. Preble found them common at Fort Smith on Sep- 

 tember 15 and noted them daily at Fayetteville from September 24 

 to October 1. Savage observed a few at Delight between August 26 

 and September 24. Nighthawks are strictly insectivorous and emi- 

 nently beneficial. They are adepts at capturing insects on the wing, 

 and their stomachs are often gorged with the fruits of their chase. 

 Among other destructive species which they assist in keeping down 

 is the cotton-boll weevil, a pest now rapidly spreading over Arkansas. 

 Cotton growers in the State would do well to see that the law pro- 

 tecting this valuable bird is strictly enforced, more especially as in the 

 fall many are shot by irresponsible boys and thoughtless hunters, 

 to whom the temptation of a flying mark is irresistible. 



