48 
Family HIRUNDINID A. 
The members of this great family of air-frequenting birds are 
almost universally dispersed, so much so at least that Swallows and 
Martins are known to the inhabitants of most parts of the globe, 
except those of New Zealand and Polynesia, where, strange to say, 
none are to be found. 
More than a hundred species are enumerated in our lists, in which 
large number many variations of form exist, each characterized by 
some peculiarity in habits, mode of life, kind of food they eat, con- 
struction of nest, or mode of nidification. Three migratory species, 
each pertaining to a distinct genus, make our islands a temporary 
resting-place during the months of summer. 
Genus Hrrvunpo. 
The species of this form, of which our common Swallow is the 
type, inhabit Europe, India, China, and North America. They 
are distinguished for the elegance of their structure and the ease 
and buoyancy of their evolutions. 
50. Hirvunpo RUSTICA Sioe oe ee idodiedh cx Gulia) Olan eave 
Common SWALLow. 
Comment upon this familiar species is quite unnecessary; we 
all know it arrives in spring, and, after bracketing its cup-shaped 
nest in our chimneys and outhouses, and rearing its progeny upon 
the insects it captures in their neighbourhood, departs again in 
autumn to more southern climes, carrying with it our God-speed 
for its welfare until it returns to receive our renewed greeting. 
Genus CHEripon. 
Other species besides the clothed-tarsed one frequenting our 
island are known; they are mostly from India, China, and Japan. 
Gis ‘CHELIDON URBIGAS  3.-i et ee Ste, as ee) NOLL ee ev ale 
Hovsr-M arrin. 
This pretty fairy-like bird arrives about the middle of April, 
constructs a semiglobular nest of mud under the eaves of our dwell- 
ings, and, after rearing its progeny, departs again in the autumn 
to the warmer country of Africa—where the sun still vivifies an 
abundance of insect life, and thus furnishes a plentiful supply of 
food to these insectivorous birds. 
Genus Cory. 
A very distinct little group are the Sand-Martins, whose habits 
are peculiar and very different from those of the Swallow or the 
House-Martin. They inhabit the Old and the New Worlds. 
