BIRDS. 199 
THE GOATSUCKER. (Caprimulgus Europceus.) 
THIS curious bird is called also the Nightjor, and the 
Fern Owl, comes to this country from Africa about the 
middle of May, and it generally leaves by the end of 
August. These birds are generally found in low bushes, 
or amongst tufts of large ferns ; and they generally fly at 
night, hence their name of Fern Owl. The beak of this 
bird is furnished with bristles, and the middle toe of each 
foot has a claw toothed like a comb, with which the bird 
clears and smooths his bristles, when necessary. The 
female lays her eggs upon the ground, without any nest, and 
she only lays two. The name of Goatsucker originated in 
an absurd idea that this bird sucked the goat's milk ; from 
the habit it has of lying on the ground near cows or she 
goats, and catching the flies that torment them by fixing on 
their udders. 
Mr. Warburton, who is certainly the closest observer of 
nature who ever wrote on Natural History, states, in one of 
his very interesting works, that he has frequently seen the 
Goatsuckers catching insects in this manner, and thus 
proving themselves the best of friends to the animals they 
are accused of annoying. 
