PURPLE MARTIN 



AMERICAN PURPLE MARTIN. 



PLATE LXII. 



Hirundo purpurea, . . . . LiNNJEUS. 



Progne purpurea^ ..... NEWTON. 



THE Purple Martin is a summer visitor to North America. 

 Only one example has occurred in England. It natu- 

 rally breeds in trees, but being welcomed on its arrival in the 

 States, " Martin boxes " are frequently set up for it in gardens 

 and near houses. 



The nest is made of leaves, hay, straw, or feathers, in 

 considerable quantity. 



The eggs are about four in number, small for the size of 

 the bird, and pure white, without any spots. The first brood 

 appears in May, the second late in July. Both the male and 

 female birds assist in the work of incubation ; the former 

 relieving and attending on the latter with much careful 

 tenderness. 



