64 Synopsis of the Birds 



Social : assemble in large flocks to migrate ; live gene- 

 rally in families, constructing their nests together, and often 

 assist each other in the work. Some build in hollow trees, 

 chimneys, and even on the ground ; nest artfully constructed, 

 composed of materials that harden by drying, and lined 

 within with feathers and other soft substances : rear usually 

 several broods in a year; both sexes nurse the young. Fre- 

 quent watery places in pursuit of winged insects, which the}' 

 take with agility. Skim over the water, drink and wash 

 themselves without alighting. Ascend to the elevated regions 

 of the atmosphere in fair weather ; before rain fly moderately 

 high, and after skim the earth. 



Inhabit every part of the globe. 



71. Hirundo purpurea, L. Bluish-purple, glossy; wings 

 and forked tail blackish. 



Female and young bluish-brown ; belly whitish. 



Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 58. 

 pi. 3d- Jig. l. male. 2. female. 



Inhabits the whole continent of America : common during 

 summer throughout the United States. 



72. Hirunoo rufa, Gm. Above and band on the breast steel- 

 blue ; front and beneath rufous ; tail forked ; a white spot 

 on the lateral feathers, outer ones much narrowed and elon- 

 gated. 



Barn Swallow, Hirundo americana, Wils. Am. Orn. v. 

 p. 34. pi. 38. Jig. i. male. 2 female. 



Inhabits the United States during summer: common. 



73. Hirundo fui.va, Vieill. Blue-black, beneath brownish- 

 white ; throat, front and rump ferruginous; tail even. 



Fulvous or Cliff Swallow, Hirundo fulva, N^b. Am. Orn. i. 

 p. 63. pi. 1-fig' 1. 



Inhabits during summer the western parts of the United 

 States, advancing every year more to the eastward : very 



