350 THE MOUNTAIN. 



to the mountain in April, departing in October. His range 

 is the borders of fresh-water streams, from Hudson's Bay to 

 the tropics. His style of capturing his finny prey is an in- 

 teresting process, being altogether an exciting feat. 



SWALLOW TRIBE. 



(Chelidones, Vieill.) 



HIRTJNDO Purpurea, (L. Wilson.) Purple martin. The 

 purple martin arrives about the middle of April, leaving in 

 September. This beautiful and agile eater of insects is a 

 great favorite, having almost domestic habits, and being as- 

 sociated in the thoughts and affections of men with the pro- 

 mises of spring and the enjoyments of summer. 



HIRUNDO Rufa, (Gm.) The barn swallow is a common 

 species, arriving in numbers in the early part of April, leav- 

 ing the first part of September. Range, from latitude 50 

 to tropics. They are skimmers of the wind, taking their food 

 on the wing, the air being their proper medium of exist- 

 ence, as of the whole family. 



HIRUNDO Lunifrons, (Vieill.) Cliff swallow. This spe- 

 cies, formerly a Western bird, now extends his migrations 

 over the Atlantic and Middle States. His peculiar jug-like 

 nest is common on houses and barns on the Alleghany. He 

 comes with the other swallows and leaves with them ; habits 

 the same. 



HIRUNDO Bicolor, (Yieill.) White-bellied swallow. 

 This is an extensive traveler, continuing his journeys from 

 the tropics to latitude 53. Comes to the mountain about 

 the middle of April It lives about houses, and is a familiar 

 species. 



COTYLE Riparia, (Linn., Wil.) The sand martin is not a 

 common species on the mountain. It is found, however, along 

 the streams on both sides. Comes in April and leaves in 

 October. 



