CHAPTER IV. 



Family Hirundinidae. Swallows. 



The Swallows constitute a perfectly natural 

 group, and represent among Oscines, the fissir- 

 ostral type of structure. Their resemblance to 

 the Cypsclidcz and Caprimiilgickz is one of analogy 

 rather than affinity, though these birds were for- 

 merly placed in die artificial "order" Fissirostrcs. 

 It is estimated that one hundred species of 

 Swallows are recorded, man)' of which are pro- 

 bably not genuine. They are universally distri- 

 buted, some of them like Hirundo, being more or 

 less cosmopolitan ; each of the grand divisions of 

 the globe possesses its particular subgenera; all 

 the American groups, with the exception* of 

 Hirundo and Cotyle being peculiar to this con- 

 tinent. 



Formerly, Swallows bred in hollows of trees; in 

 banks on cliffs, and like places, which is the custom 

 with many yet; but the majority have abandoned 

 their primitive haunts for the artificial ^ nesting 

 places provided purposely, or otherwise; by^ man. 

 Some at present are in a transition state; for ex- 

 ample, the Purple Martin which still clings' to its 

 old habits of breeding in hollow trees in our 

 Western States; while here it avails itself of the 

 boxes which are provided for its accommodation. 



