OF THE BIRDS MENTIONED 201 
Lined with horsehair, moss, grass, and often bits of 
wool. Second nests: Two or three yearly. Eggs: 
Pure greenish-blue, glossy (no spots). Four or five. 
8. HOUSE MARTIN 
(Pages 140-153) 
Chelidon urbica. (Chelidon, Gr.,a swallow ; urbs, Lat., 
a city.) The name is connected in some way with 
Saint Martin (French), patron saint of the weather. 
A member of the large swallow family (Hivundine). 
Known from the swallow, which it much resembles, 
by its smaller size, shorter wings, and somewhat less 
rapid flight. Look especially for its white rump and 
underparts, and less forked tail. The black is not so 
beautifully lustrous as the violet-black of the swallow. 
Feet and toes downy. The clinging nests commonly 
seen under house gutters and eaves in towns and country 
are of this bird, the swallow preferring interiors of barns, 
outhouses, etc., and building om rafters, beams, 
joists, etc., close to roof, a cup, or saucer-shaped 
nest of mud. Distinguish also the swift and sand 
martin (which see). Found: Generally distributed. 
Frequents dwelling houses especially (whence name), 
flying rapidly up and down streets and roads, also over 
fields, etc., catching insects in the air for themselves 
or the young. If in a city they keep to the suburbs 
mostly, where there is less traffic and smoke. Habits : 
