94 



ZOOLOGT. 



This genus has been usually classed with the water-birds ; 

 we have removed into what we consider its more natural 

 situation ; as in habits, propensities, and exterior structure^ 

 it greatly resembles the la*t genus. Like the Swallows, thesd 

 birds take their food on wing, there are but three known 

 species, one only of which has been found, and that but very 

 rarely in this country, they resort to the sides of lakes and 

 rivers, and feed entirely on insects. See British Orniiho^ 

 logyy vol. 2. 



18. Caprimulgus, Goatsucker or Ni(Jht Hawk. Bill 

 short, broad hooked at the tip, the upper mandible 

 furnished with a row of stijf bristles along the edges ; 

 gape very wipe, extending backward beyond the eyes ; 

 tongue pointed, entire ; legs short and scaly ; taes con- 

 nected by a membrane as far as the first joint ; middle 

 clazo serrated; composed of twelve feathers. 



All this family are nocturnal birds, and like the Owls, 

 seldom quitting their retreats during the day ; but on the 

 approach of night, they come from their hiding places in 

 search of food, which consists entirely of beetles, moths, 

 and other winged insects, which they take on wing, like the 

 two preceeding genera. They are not a numerous tribe, 

 but are dispersed over Africa, America, and the East and 

 West Indies, only one species is found in Europe, and that 

 is common to this country. During the day, these birds 

 retire to woods, and roost among the branches, placing 

 themselves lengthways along a branch, in which position they 

 are less likely to attract notice: when on wing, their flight is 

 so silent, that though numbers may be flitting around 



