pgbtjftrs itiib liingfe^crs. 
The CaprimulgidcB, Nightjars, or Groatsuckers, as they 
are more generally called, are birds of nocturnal or 
crepuscular habits. They are appointed to thin the 
numbers of those million-breeding and destructive 
PhalteiKE and coleopterous insects that come abroad 
only in the twilight of still evenings, and in this 
respect the Groatsuckers somewhat resemble the Owls. 
Their plumage and visual powers are accordingly 
adapted to this habit, and as their prey is caught upon 
the wing in a manner similar to that of the Swallows, 
but consists of larger and more powerful insects, the 
greatest facility in securing the prey is given by a 
striking modification of the 
bill, or gape, and tlie pro- 
duction of a fence of stiff 
moveable bristles around its 
base. The fissure of the 
bill extends beyond the eye, 
and the base is extremely 
broad. The mouth is sup- 
plied with a glutinous secre- 
tion, which assists in quieting the prey when being 
conveyed to their young. The eyes and ears are large 
and prominent ; and the wings, although, as well as 
the rest of the plumage, soft and of light texture, are 
powerful as instruments of flight, enabling the bird to 
turn and double in the air almost witli the ease and 
rapidity of a Swallow. The feet are small and weak. 
