Martin, Purple 



The services of the martin in driving away hawks and 

 crows from the premises he claims are important induce- 

 ments for favor. He has even the courage to attack the 

 redoubtable kingbird, when his visits are too famihar 

 near the nest. 



Nuttall's Ornithology.^^ 



Wasps, beetles, and all manner of injurious garden 

 insects constitute its diet — another reason for its universal 

 popularity. 



It is simple enough to distinguish the martins from 

 the other swallows by their larger size and iridescent dark 

 coat, not to mention their song, which is very soft and 

 sweet, like musical laughter, rippling up through the 

 throat. 



Neltje Blanchan. Bird Neighbors.^^ 



Surpassed by no bird in swiftness, there is none that 

 equals him in the beauty of his movements on the wing, 

 uniting grace and vivacity in a remarkable degree. Often 

 skimming the surface of ponds, or ghding swiftly along 

 a public road a few feet from the ground, then soaring 

 above the height of the lower clouds, he sails about with 

 but little motion of the wings, till he is out of sight. These 

 flights seem to be made for his own amusement; for it 

 cannot be supposed that he finds the larger insects that 

 constitute his prey at so great a height. 



Flagg. a Year With the Birds.^ 



91 



