THE NORTH AMERICAN GOATSUCKERS. 673 
by blowing into the bung-hole of an empty barrel. This noise 
must be regarded as a means of bringing the sexes together, as 
it is heard only in the spring. In the intervals between his as- 
censions, the male darts around in every direction, uttering sharp 
squeaks and throwing himself into all sorts of attitudes and pos- 
tures, calculated, no doubt, to please any passing female. It is 
both diurnal and nocturnal in its habits, but more properly the lat- 
ter. Nevertheless, I have frequently seen numbers pursuing and 
capturing their prey in broad daylight, when the sun was shining 
brightly. At such times, however, their flight is very high, so 
high indeed that they resemble the swallows with which they asso- 
ciate, and if it were not for the slow and regular flapping of their 
long wings, and an occasional harsh note (a note of exultation 
perhaps as they snap up some unfortunate beetle or moth) they 
might readily be mistaken for them. But it is in the dusk of the 
evening that they may be seen in the greatest numbers; when, in 
certain localities and at certain seasons of the year (especially 
in the fall), thousands may be seen darting around in their rapid 
and necessarily irregular flight. As darkness approaches, they 
descend to the earth and skim along the surface, snatching up any 
ill-fated bug that may have failed to find shelter 
I recollect a small valley in the northern part of Pennsylvania, 
which appears to be a favorite resort of this bird, more especially 
in the fall. It is about five miles in length, a mile in width, is 
inclosed by two ranges of high mountains, and is one of the most 
picturesque places in the state. A small stream wends its way 
along the base of one of the ranges and empties itself into the 
Susquehanna hard by. An hour or two before dusk a few night- 
hawks will be seen approaching from the direction of the river. 
These have no sooner passed than more make their appearance ; 
and thus they come in an ever increasing stream, twisting and 
turning in pursuit of their insect prey, but always keeping in 
- & general direction up the valley. In about fifteen minutes the 
foremost will have reached the head of the valley, and having 
rned, as is their invariable custom, will be seen drawing near in 
their return to the river. In this way they may be seen coming 
and going with continually increasing numbers, until the sky is 
dark with their fleeting forms, and night has thrown a veil over 
their actions. I have watched them for hours in this locality. 
When they first appear mee: are eee T the air, but as dusk ap- 
ERICAN NATURALIST, 
