RED-NECKED NIGHTJAR.
RUSSET-NECKED NIGHTJAR.
Caprimulgus ruficoUis,
Scetoniis irimaculatus,
TEMMINCK.
SWAINSON.
Caprimulgus. Caper—A goat. Mulgeo—To milk.
Red. Collis—The neck.
RuficoUis. Rufus—
FOR the following account of this interesting addition to our British
fauna, I am indebted to the sterling and valuable 'Birds of Europe/
by C. R. Bree, Esq., M.D., to whom I may now express my obligation
for useful information on various former occasions: I have also
similarly to thank Frederick Bond, Esq., for more than ordinary
kindness of the like kind.
The Red-necked Goat-sucker is a native of Africa, and is met
with also in various parts of Europe, among others in Spain and the
south of France, and has occurred at Malta, namely in 1861, in the
middle of May. Tt approaches Italy so far as Xice.
It is an elegant bird, but the 'fatal gift of beauty' has too often
proved, as with others not of its kind, the cause of its death: it is
no exception to the rule.
In this country one was obtained at Killmgworth, near Newcastleon
Tyne, on October the 5th., 1856. As it strongly resembles the
common species in its general appearance, it is thought it may have
been frequently mistaken for it.
It appears in the spring, and leaves again in October. The nest
is placed on the ground in a hollow or under some shrub.
'There is the same wide mouth as in the common species/ says Dr.
Bree, 'with its array of bristles, and the same comb to clean them with
on the claw of its middle toe. What a beautiful adaptive provision
is this comb. Looked at through a lens, the teeth of the comb are
seen to be placed with perfect regularity, and are admirably adapted