Genus I--Caprimulgus, Linn. Goatsucker

Birds of America

By John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

VOLUME I.

GENUS I.--CAPRIMULGUS, Linn. GOATSUCKER.

Bill feeble, gape extending to beneath the posterior angle of the eye. Nostrils elliptical, prominent. Wings long, pointed, the second quill longest; tail long. Claw of middle toe pectinate. Along the base of the bill on each side a series of feathers having very strong shafts, terminating in an elastic filamentous point, and with the barbs or lateral filaments extremely slender, distant, and not extended beyond the middle of the shaft. Plumage very soft and blended. Wings long and pointed, the second quill longest; tail long, rounded.