Perched lengthwise on a low branch or rail, the nightjar gives to its
churring a ventriloquial effect by turning its head while it croons.
Though the crooning is monotonous, it varies in key, loudness, and
duration; while the occasional cry, "crow-ic, crow-ic," reminds one of
the cry of moorhens and tawny owls. As the bird flies, the snapping
of the beak may be heard as a sharp click, whether it is snapped
over a moth, or by way of showing resentment at one's presence--young
wood-pigeons and doves snap in the same way if disturbed in the nest.
The bird has marvellous control of its flight, and has a way of poising
itself in the air with the wings meeting above the back, like the wings
of the dove in a Scripture-book picture. The serrated claw on the
middle toe is probably used for catching prey, and for clearing away
fragments that cling round the gaping mouth; while the long bristles
that grow from the jaws entangle moths as in a net, as the bird flies
with mouth wide open. It finds good hunting among oak-trees, and is
especially fond of several of the many insects that chiefly haunt the
oaks.
The nightjar is among the nestless birds, and is content to lay its two
eggs on the ground. When hatched the young are covered with down like
young peewits, and they grow at an amazing rate. An old nightjar, when
disturbed from its young, will go through a despairing performance,
flitting to a low branch near by, and flapping or wringing its wings
in a disconsolate manner, as though to say, "Please go away--please
_do_ go away!" The old bird seems to know how helpless is the position
of the young ones if once discovered by a foe. But it is never easy to
pick out the young birds from their surroundings, while the mother bird
on her nest is as good as invisible.
* * * * *