306 BRITISH BIRDS. 
nearly white on the centre of the back; the wings are black, with purple 
and greenish reflections. The throat and upper breast, a patch on the 
lower flanks, and the under tail-coverts are white, the remainder of the 
underparts being rich brown. Bill black; legs, feet, and claws dark 
brown; irides hazel. The female resembles the male, but is a trifle 
smaller. 
Most of the species belonging to this genus are small, the wings 
measuring less than 64 inches in length. Besides the Needle-tailed Swift 
there are four other large species, in which the length of wing ranges from 
8 to 10 inches; but none of these have the throat white. 
POSSI 
NEST OF PIED WAGTAIL. 
