Indian Birds 
a saucer-shaped structure made of mud, bits 
of straw, feathers, etc., usually fixed on to a 
wall under an eave, sometimes in a deserted 
temple or mosque. (Illus. B. B., p. 35.) 
125. Tachornis batassiensis: The Palm-swift. 
(F. 1075), (J. 102), (- 1.) 
A brownish-black bird. Its habits are like 
those of No. 124, except that its flight is less 
swift and it is rarely found away from palm 
trees. It attaches its nest to the under side 
of a palm leaf, or a betel-nut leaf. 
The Nightjars, 126 and 127 
These birds are very nocturnal in their 
habits, so, like the heroine of The Diary of a 
Bad Girl, they are heard and not seen. 
They are characterised by the large mouth, 
which enables them to secure their insect 
quarry while they are on the wing. They 
usually lie up during the day on the ground in 
some secluded spot. 
126. Caprimulgus asiaticus: The Common 
Indian Nightjar, or Goatsucker. (F. 1091), 
(J. 112), (+I1.) 
Upper parts greyish brown, lower parts 
reddish brown, every feather being marked by 
a number of narrow blackish cross bars. 
168 
