Open Nests in Woods, Thickets, Swampy Thickets 



416. Chuck-will's-widow: Antrostom.us carolinensis 



(Gmel.) 



Breeding Range — From Virginia southward ; most common in 

 Florida. 



This is a variety of the whip-poor-will breeding in the 

 warmer parts of the country. In general appearance it is much 

 the same, being somewhat larger, lighter in colour, and having 

 hair-like branches to the bristles at the base of the bill. Length 



— 12.00. 



The eggs, two in number, are placed on the bare ground or 

 on leaves in thickets or woods. They are white or buff, mar- 

 bled with pale brown and lilac blotches and spots. Size — 1.40 

 X 1. 00. See Fig. 5, Plate A. 



One of the most peculiar things about this bird is its habit of 

 carrying its eggs, or young, from place to place, inside its enor- 

 mous mouth. In its habits it resembles the more northern spe- 

 cies ; the notes are slightly different, having one more syllable. 

 The nesting season begins about the first week in April. 



417. Whip-poor-will : Antrostomus vociferus (Wils.) 



Adult $ — The general colour is a mixture of rich browns, buff, 

 gray, and black, with a white or whitish band below the 

 throat, and white ends to the three outer tail feathers ; 

 mouth very large, with bristles at base of bill. The middle 

 toe is toothed on the inner side. 



Adu/f ? — Has the white replaced by cream colour. Length— 9. 75. 



Breeding Range — -Throughout the northeastern States. 



The eggs are laid on the ground, generally among dry leaves, 

 with no pretence of a nest. The ground colour is creamy white 

 or grayish, with dark or very faint lilac and brown markings and 

 spots ; only two eggs are laid. Size — 1. 18 x .84. 



There are few common eggs more difficult to find than those 

 of the Whip-poor-will. The bird matches to perfection, both in 

 colour and marking, the surroundings chosen for the nesting, or 

 I should perhaps say the ground on which *the eggs are depos- 

 ited, there being no nest. The eggs also are decidedly incon- 



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