Identifier: reptilesbirdspo00figu (find matches)
Title: Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting.
Year: 1873 (1870s)
Authors: Figuier, Louis, 1819-1894 Gillmore, Parker
Subjects: Birds Reptiles
Publisher: New York : D. Appleton and Co.
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Text Appearing Before Image:
Fig. 223.—Alpine Swift. short, much-depressed bill; the body small in proportion to theplumage ) the neck short; the head large, broad, and depressed;the eyes very large and broad; the feet very small; tarsi partiallyfeathered j toes four, the lower surface broad and flattened, theanterior toes connected by basal membranes; claws moderate, arched,and compressed. The plumage is full, soft, downy, and blended,like the owls; the wings have the second and third quills longest;tail long and rounded. Almost all the species have strong bristles GOATSUCKERS. 511 around the base of the upper mandible, and some have the feathersof the face radiated, Hke those of the owls. The Goatsuckers are not sociable birds, living generally in pairs,sleeping during the day, issuing from their nest with the setting sun,or possibly earlier in gloomy weather, to chase the crepuscular and
Text Appearing After Image:
Fig. 224.—Nest of the Esculent Swallow. nocturnal insects on which they feed. They move silently, and withgreat rapidity. Some authors say that when on the wing they keepthe mouth open; but this is not supported by facts, and is opposedto reason. The insects they principally devour are moths, dragon-flies, beetles, crickets, cockchafers, and mosquitoes. Their useful-ness therefore is nearly equal to that of the Swallow. As they get 512 REPTILES AND BIRDS. very plump and fat in the autumn, they fall a sacrifice to the gunner,and in their turn are eaten by gourmets greater than themselves.They are migratory birds, travelling only during the night. Theyare readily distinguished by the bristles at the base of the bill, andby the claws of the middle toe, which is toothed. The object ofthis toothed appendage has been the subject of speculation. Somewriters fond of the marvellous even surmise that it is intended tocomb and smooth the head-feathers. Mr. Vigors is of opinion thatit may be us

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