4 
The Nighthawk 
Admirable 
Qualities 
stomachs were nearly filled with soft-bodied ephemerids and caddis-flies ; 
and, altogether, more than 600 species of insects have been identified 
from the stomachs already examined. 
From these glimpses of the Nighthawk’s food-habits, it must be evi- 
dent that it is one of our most useful birds. Not only does it do a great 
amount of positive good by the destruction of enormous numbers of in- 
sects, but it is to be Commended for its negative qualities, in that it not 
only does not destroy any of the farmer’s crops, but does not even visit 
them or use them for nesting-sites. It never touches grain or fruit ; it 
never troubles the garden ; and in the orchard it only perches upon the 
branch of an apple-tree. It does not even ask a blade of grass with 
which to build its nest, for it makes no nest. It does not injure the grass 
by laying its eggs thereon, for its two, purplish, mottled eggs are laid 
upon bare earth, or on a rock, or a graveled roof. It does not molest 
poultry nor the nests of other birds. Indeed, where 
may we look to find a bird whose direct contact with 
man and his works is so slight, yet is so constantly 
in his presence and industriously serving his interests? 
When we consider that this bird renders so signal a service to man, 
and asks nothing and takes nothing in return, it seems as if it should have 
every protection that can be afforded. In some parts of the country the 
Nighthawk is not only killed for food, but is used as a target for gun- 
practice on the wing, under the impression that it is a worthless creature. 
How erroneous this is we have already shown. When we consider that 
during many hours of the evening, and often all day, these birds sweep 
the air with their dragnets of mouths, we do not wonder at the enormous 
number of insects from whose harm or annoyance they relieve us. 
In view of these facts, the practice of killing this bird, whether for 
food or for sport, should wholly stop. It is a practice which, at best, 
affords poor returns, and which entails an almost incalculable injury 
upon farmers and gardeners, and results in much needless suffering to 
the birds. 
Classification and Distribution 
The Nighthawk belongs to the Order Macro chires, the Suborder Caprimulgi, 
and the Family Caprimulgidcc — the Nightjars. Its scientific name is Chordeiles 
virginianus virginianus. It is found in summer from northern Canada southward 
to the northern part of the Gulf States, and from the Atlantic Coast westward to 
the plains. Four subspecies, sliehtly varying in size and markings, are recognized 
by ornithologists. These are Western Nighthawk (C. v. henryi ) ; Florida Night- 
hawk ( C . v. chapmani ) ; Sennett’s Nighthawk (C. v. sennetti), and Pacific Night- 
hawk (C. v. he s peris). 
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