472 
GOATSUCKERS. 
occasions the parent, probably the attending male, puffs him- 
self up as it were into a ball of feathers ; at the same time 
striking his wings on the ground and opening his capacious 
mouth to its full extent, he stares wildly and utters a blowing 
hiss like that of the Barn Owl when surprised in his hole. On 
observing this grotesque manoeuvre, and this appearance so 
unlike that of a volatile bird, we are struck with the propriety 
of the metaphorical French name of Crapaud volans, or 
Flying Toad, which this bird indeed much resembles while 
thus shapelessly tumbling before the astonished spectator. 
The same feint is also made when he is wounded, on being 
approached. Like some of the other species, instinctively 
vigilant for the safety of their misshapen and tender brood, 
these birds also probably convey them or the eggs from the 
scrutiny of the meddling observer. In our climate they have 
no more than a single brood. 
Sometimes the Nighthawk, before his departure, is seen to 
visit the towns and cities, sailing in circles and uttering his 
squeak as he flies high and securely over the busy streets, 
occasionally sweeping down, as usual, with his whirring notes ; 
and at times he may be observed, even on the tops of chim- 
neys, uttering his harsh call. In gloomy weather these birds 
are abroad nearly the whole day, but are most commonly in 
motion an hour or two before dusk. Sometimes indeed they 
are seen out in the brightest and hottest weather, and occa- 
sionally, while basking in the sun, find means to give chase to 
the Cicindeli, Carabi, and other entirely diurnal insects, as 
well as grasshoppers, with which they often gorge themselves 
in a surprising manner ; but they probably seldom feed more 
than an hour or two in the course of the day. On Wappatoo 
Island, at the estuary of the Wahlamet, they were till the loth 
of September numerous and familiar, alighting often close to 
the dwellings, in quest probably of crawling insects which come 
out in the dark. 
About the middle of August they begin their migrations 
towards the south, on which occasion they may be seen in the 
evening moving in scattered flocks consisting of several hun- 
