THE BIRDS OF WISCONSIN. 
79 
who have favored us with reports speak of its rapidly diminish- 
ing numbers, exeept in such sections as have been but slightly 
disturbed from a state of nature. Found the entire length of 
the state, but is generally more common in the hardwood 
districts than among the pines. 
Cliordeiles virginiaims (GmcL). NIGHTHAWK. 
A common summer resident. The nighthawk is one of 
those species which have changed their habits to conform with 
the state of civilization. Thirty years ago a common breeder 
on any gravelly or sandy knoll or hill, often in cultivated fields 
and pastures, and even on the sandy shores of lakes. At the 
present time is as common in the towns as in the country, 
breeding on the flat roofs of buildings, even in the larger cities. 
The immense autumnal flights, formerly a regular feature of 
the fall migrations, are becoming less regular, and although 
still locally common, are a mere fraction of what they once were. 
Large numbers of these useful birds are yearly slaughtered by 
a certain class of "sportsmen" (?), for "practice." We are at a 
loss for words to express our supreme disgust at this abominable 
practice; still it is in perfect keeping with the average intelli- 
gence of many of this particular class, and we only hope that our 
feeble protest will be read by some "prominent" person who 
considers it legitimate sport to kill and main these exceedingly 
useful birds by the hundred. Not being "game birds" the 
game wardens are disposed to overlook this criminal practice, 
and thus the slaughter goes on from year to year. 
Cliordeiles virginianus lienryi (Cass. J. WESTERN NIGHTHAWK. 
On returning from a visit to the Douglass Bros., at 
Waukegan, Illinois, at the time that Messrs. Nelson, Rice and 
Douglass (1) had firmly established the presence of C. v. lienryi 
at that place, I found three specimens in the Kumlien collec- 
tion. One of these, sent to Dr. Coues, was pronounced typical 
henryi. Two specimens were later secured by Thure Kumlien 
in September, 1880. Since that time we have not taken a 
specimen, the nearest approach being a few intermediates. 
Probably found as an irregular migrant, especially in fall, 
throughout western and southwestern Wisconsin, and 
possibly rarely as a breeding bird. — L. K. 
1. Nelson, Birds of N. E. Illinois, p. 114. 
