CHAPTER X 
NIGHT-JJRS, SWIFTS, AND HUMMING-BIRDS 
Night-jars 
I T is probable that the NiGHT-JARS are the 
nearest allies of the Owls. As pointed out 
in the last chapter, although the latter 
have acquired the habits of the Hawk and Eagle 
Tribe, they are not really connected with that 
group by descent. 
Soberly clad, so as to be in complete harmony 
with its surroundings, with large eyes, huge 
mouth, and peculiarly short beak, beset with 
long bristles, the night-jar may be distinguished 
at once from all other British . birds. By day it 
hides, squatting close to the ground, or perched 
on the thick branch of a tree ; but when on the 
latter, it sits along and not across the bough, 
like other birds, the complete harmony between 
its plumage and the bark rendering it as invisible 
as when on the ground. 
Not until the spring has far advanced does 
this bird leave its winter resort in Africa for 
Europe, making its presence known by its con- 
spicuous habit of hunting its food (which consists 
of moths and beetles) after twilight has fallen. Later, its extraordinary churring note is heard 
Photo by A. S. Rudland < 5 ^ Sons 
COMMON NIGHT-JAR 
Known also as Fern-owl and Goatsucker 
Photo by A, S. Rudland & Sons 
PENNANT-WINGED NIGHT-JAR (FRONT VIEW) 
The long and graceful plumes are much-lengthened quill-feather and by their resemblance to the waving grass in which the bird nests afford 
protection 
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