HIRUNDO, Linn. 

 Hirundo, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 10th ed. 1758, 191. (Type II. rustica, Linn.) 



Under the generic head of Hirundo I propose to combine several 

 groups of American Swallows agreeing in moderate, depressed bill, 

 with straight commissure, and lateral nostrils overhung by mem- 

 brane ; the tarsi feathered only at the upper end, or else entirely 

 bare ; the lateral claws moderate, not extending beyond the base of 

 the median ; the edge of the outer primary without hooks ; the tail 

 variable in character, from a very deep fork to a slight emargination 

 only. The relationships to the other genera have already been ex- 

 pressed in the diagnosis presented in the beginning of the article on 

 the family. 



The following characters express the peculiarities of the diflFerent 

 sections or subgenera of Ilirundo : — 



latter with lateral feathers edged internally near end with whitish. Forehead 

 without frontal band, other than an almost inappreciable gloss of chestnut. 



Total length, 4.55 ; wing, 4.00; tail, 2.15 ; difference between quills, 1.80 ; 

 length of bill from forehead, .30, from nostril, .17, along gape, .54, width, .43. 

 Feet mutilated. 



The well-marked jugular or pectoral band, white throat and cheeks, and 

 absence of distinct frontlet will readily distinguish this species from lunifrons 

 and its allies. It may be that a more decided frontlet exists in more perfect 

 plumage, although there is nothing to indicate that this has not been attained 

 in the specimen. 



This species appears to have been overlooked by all writers subsequent to 

 Mr. Peale. 



(14,999.) Type. Irids brown. 



