Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America

by John Cassin

I. FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDÆ. THE GOATSUCKERS.

Plumage soft, blended, and owl-like. Species generally nocturnal in their habits, or venturing abroad only in the twilight or in the night.

Bill small, weak, generally furnished at the base with projecting bristles; gape very wide; feet usually slender and weak; wings generally long, adapted to long-continued flight. This family is represented in all temperate and tropical regions of the world.