SWALLOWS 85 



This is the smallest of our Swallows, scarcely 

 more than five inches in length. Unlike their 

 relatives, the plumage is dull, having no sheen 

 or brilliancy. The best distinguishing marks 

 are the dusky breast and white throat; the 

 upper parts are brownish gray. Their summer 

 range is practically all of North America. They 

 winter as far south as Brazil and are among our 

 April arrivals. 



Purple Martin. The largest of all our Swal- 

 lows is the Purple Martin, or House Martin, as 

 he is often called, because, like the Tree Swallow, 

 he, too, will gladly accept the proflPer of a tene- 

 ment in the shape of a neatly painted house. 

 But he insists that it be set firmly at the end of 

 a stout pole, tall enough to discourage all efforts 

 of the house cat, which seems to have a special 

 fondness for the flesh of this fine bird. 



These Swallows are among our most attrac- 

 tive bird neighbors, being rollicking, jovial fel- 

 lows, always good-natured, if one can judge from 

 their frequent conversations. Whether on the 

 wing or sitting on their comfortable porches, 

 they seem to carry on almost constant com- 

 munication in tones that indicate easy-going, 

 amiable natures. Their notes are like liquid 

 laughter. There are few birds more attractive 

 to me, especially in the morning, even though 

 they disturb my sleep with their entertaining 

 talk. They have neither sweet song nor bright- 

 colored plumage, but their constant good humor, 

 friendly manner and commendable domestic 

 traits make them most welcome tenants. 



One of the few occasions when this disciple of 



