92 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



pean species ; they somewhat closely resemble those of 

 the Spotted Flycatcher, or even those of the Robin in 

 colour, but are at once distinguished by their smaller 

 size. 



Family HIRUNDINID.E. Genus Progne. 



PURPLE MARTIN. 



Progne purpurea {Lhmceus). 



(British : Very rare abnormal autumn migrant.) 



Double Brooded. Laying season, April, early May, and June. 



Breeding area: Northern Nearctic region. The 

 Purple Martin breeds throughout the United States of 

 North America and in Canada, even visiting the regions 

 above the Arctic circle. It is said also to breed in 

 Mexico on the mountains in small numbers. 



Breeding habits : The spring migrations of the 

 Purple Martin commence in the most southern localities 

 at the end of February or early in March, the central 

 areas are not reached until early in April, and the more 

 northerly localities not until Ma}^ 1 his homely Ameri- 

 can species is widely distributed throughout the northern 

 continent in summer, and seems to frequent towns and 

 villages as much as the quieter country districts. The 

 nesting habits of this bird have undergone considerable 

 change within the memory of civilized man. When 

 houses were scarce, it used generally to breed in holes 

 of rocks and trees, but since buildings have become 

 common, it has deserted many of its old haunts, and 

 taken up its residence on them. This bird probably 

 pairs for life, and seems much attached to its mate. 



