Birds of Lucknoiv. 559 



common. Indeed^ I think that I have only once or twice seen 

 it^ in the long patowal or sarpatta grass on the banks of the 

 Goomti, Reid stated that it was fairly common in the cold 

 weather in November and December, and again in March 

 and April. The native bird-catchers usually have one or two 

 pairs in their cages, probably caught in the district. 



No. 809. CoTiLE SINENSIS. Indian Sand-Martin. 



Chota Ababil [H.] . 



Very common and a permanent resident. Breeds in 

 colonies in holes, which it excavates for itself, in the river- 

 banks, less commonly in nullahs and cuttings. The nests, 

 which are usually very dirty, are made of grass and feathers. 

 The eggs, three to five in number, are laid from December to 

 May, possibly also in other months. They are, of course, 

 pure Avhite. 



Average of 22 Lucknow eggs -66" x "46" 



Measuremeut of largest %gg -73" X ■45' 



„ smallest ego^ '64" x '45" 



No. 813. HiRUNDO RusTiCA (Linn.). Swallow. 



Ababil^ [H.]. 



A common cold-weather visitor, appearing in October and 

 departing in May. Reid remarked that it seemed, as a rule, 

 to prefer open country away from towns, and was especially 

 partial to j heels. 



No. 818. HiRUNDO sMiTHi. Wire-tailed Swallow. 



A permanent resident. It is very partial to water, as are 

 other Swallows, doubtless on account of the insect-life. It 

 breeds with us in March and April, and possibly again in 

 the rains. The nest is a shallow cup of mud lined with 

 feathers, usually placed under a bridge or culvert. The 

 eggs are three in number, white with red spots. Last year 

 I found the birds breeding in the verandah of a bungalow at 

 the Solon Brewery, near Simla (5000 feet), as late as the end 

 of September. This, I believe, was the third clutch. It was 

 hatched out successfully, and I used to spend many spare 



* A name commonly applied to all Swallows, Martins, and Swifts. 



