. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. Birds; Reptiles. DENTIEOSTEES. 541 The Night-jar is a bird of evil omen in the estimation of our rural population : such it has been considered since the days of Aristotle, and possibly even further back. The reverse should be the case, for the benefit it produces by clearing the air of noxious insects is incalculable. The GrUACHAROs are singular birds, which were first described by MM. Humboldt and Bonpland as being found in the interior of a vast Columbian cave


. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. Birds; Reptiles. DENTIEOSTEES. 541 The Night-jar is a bird of evil omen in the estimation of our rural population : such it has been considered since the days of Aristotle, and possibly even further back. The reverse should be the case, for the benefit it produces by clearing the air of noxious insects is incalculable. The GrUACHAROs are singular birds, which were first described by MM. Humboldt and Bonpland as being found in the interior of a vast Columbian cavern—the Grotto of Caripe. Their hooked bill and general aspect are more robust than the Night-jars, for. Fig. 245.—The Night-jar [CaprimtUgus europtsws^ Sw.). they more resemble birds of prey. They inhabit in thousands the deep recesses of the caverns of the Cumana Chain, hanging to the walls by their pointed claws. In these caves, which they only leave during the night, they build their nests. Unlike their congeners, they feed only on grain and seeds. The Indians of Caripe enter these sombre domains from time to time, and make raids upon their ranks, for they are deservedly esteemed as great delicacies. DENTreOSTKES. The Passerine Dentirostres are characterised by a bill more or less strong, compressed on each side of the point. They feed on berries and insects, and comprehend numerous genera, including the Fly-catchers {Muscicapidm), the Manakins {Piprinm), the. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Figuier, Louis, 1819-1894; Gillmore, Parker, ed. Springfield, Mass. , W. J. Holland


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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecad, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectreptiles