418 bulletin: museum of comparative zoology. 



in the males the wing measurements range from 83 mm. to 94 mm. 

 In the female the range is from 85 mm. to 91 mm. The streaking on 

 the under parts varies greatly in amount. In some specimens the 

 throat and upper breast are almost entirely dusky, while in others 

 the light, and dusky are about equal in amount. 



Oviedo devotes (Book XIV, Chap. V) considerable space to an 

 account of the "communal birds" "now there is in this island a kind 

 of bird somewhat smaller than those which in Castilla are called 

 gorriones [sparrows] or pardales [linnets] and they are similar some- 

 what in plumage and diligence and are not less astute or malicious. 

 They are greatly minded to stay in large flocks. The color of their 

 plumage is dusky gray, and they build a nest as large or larger than 

 those which the storks are accustomed to make in the belfries and 

 towers of Castilla. They build upon a branch in a manner so compli- 

 cated and mixed up with twigs as to raise great admiration because 

 the birds are so small. Inside of this nest they have their different 

 apartments or cells where each pair breed, and at the least a nest may 

 hold two to three hundred birds. And if a large bird should happen 

 by, especially a predacious one like a guaraguaos (which they say here 

 eat chickens) the little birds sally forth in squadrons with a great 

 noise and strike violently at the enemy. There are no bees or any 

 other thing of such energy and persistence. Finally they rout it, 

 when they follow it making swift thrusts and dragging out feathers.'^ 



72. Petrochelidon fulva fulva (Vieillot). 

 Golandriyia. 



Five specimens, both sexes, Monte Cristi, Rio San Juan. 



The Haitian Cliff Swallow are somewhat local in their distribution. 

 During February they were common along the Yaqui River and 

 abundant over the salinas and mud-flats between the town of Monte 

 Cristi and the landing. 



They were common at the mouth of the Rio San Juan on March 4, 

 and a few were also noted at Sosua. 



73. Progne dominicensis (Gmelin). 



Golandrina. , 



Two males, Sosua, Rio San Juan. 



The Caribbean Martin appeared rather uncommonly at the locali- 



