Page 501 - Hand rearing birds second

498 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 32.1 Common Nighthawk showing the petite bill with very large mouth typical of these species.
Source: photo courtesy of Yvonne Wallace Blane, Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital.

Figure 32.2 Four Common Nighthawk chicks showing cryptic coloration. Source: photo courtesy of Yvonne
Wallace Blane, Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital.

there is partial webbing between the front‐facing toes. Located on the inner claw of the middle toe
of some species is a pectinated claw, also known as a feathercomb.
Virtually silent flight is accomplished with softened leading edges of the primaries, much like
owls. Also owl‐like is the lack of development of a true crop. Camouflage coloring, combined with
a unique horizontal perching position, make these birds virtually disappear when resting on a
branch or in leaf litter (Figure 32.2). The fragile, loose feathers are shaded brown, tan, gray, or rust
and cryptically designed with penciling, blotching, and mottling. The variegated hues blend well
with the natural background of their chosen environments; generally, the birds living in higher
altitudes and those in desert areas are lighter in color than their forest‐ or field‐dwelling relatives.
All species engage in dust‐bathing to condition their delicate feathers. Adult birds may also
indulge in aerial bathing when relaxed. Because the oil gland in goatsuckers is atrophied, preening