Goatsuckers

These birds are night-flyers, some species from their cry being called Whip-poor-Wills; others are Night Hawks. They have long wings, a short broad gape, and rictal bristles. They feed on flies, mosquitoes, etc. From the habit Goatsucker ( Caprimulgus vociferus ). of catching flies under the bellies of cattle, sheep, etc., they have been erroneously supposed to suck milk from the teats. Their mournful night cries have been considered as boding ill by the superstitious of all races. See FISSIROSTRES and CYPSELI. Gob. See GOAF.