Birds of Britain 



strange bird is but little known to the majority of people, 

 although by no means uncommon in suitable localities. 



Its favourite haunts are gorse commons, and moorlands 

 on the edge of woods, especially where bracken grows freely, 

 and in such situations it may be found throughout our 

 islands. The best time to see it is at dusk, when it comes 

 out to capture moths, beetles, and other crepuscular insects 

 which form its chief sustenance. Its flight is silent and 

 very bat-like, twisting and turning with great ease and 

 agility, now and again striking its wings together with a 

 loud clap and uttering at the same time a sharp little 

 whistle. When resting on a branch, which it invariably 

 does lengthways, a curious reeling note or vibrating "churr" 

 is uttered. 



No nest is made, but the two white eggs, boldly blotched 

 and mottled with brown and lilac, are laid on the bare 

 ground without any attempt at concealment. The bird 

 sits very closely, and her dull greyish plumage so assimilates 

 with her surroundings that it is almost impossible to see 

 her until she rises and circles round, uttering a harsh 

 " chuck, chuck." 



The young, when first hatched, are covered with an 

 ashy grey down, and have, even at this tender age, the 

 large mouth with enormous gape, characteristic of this 

 family. They do not remain in the nest till fledged, but 

 crawl about on the ground. They do not, however, attempt 

 to feed themselves, and are carefully tended by their 

 parents till they are well able to fly, when they at once 

 quit this country to winter in tropical Africa. 



The plumage of both sexes is nearly alike, and is ashy 



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