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FAMILY - HIRTJNDINID^. SWALLOWS. 





General Description. Mostly small birds, wings very long and pointed; feet small 

 and weak, unsuited to walking; head flattened and bill very short with deep gape (Figure 

 54, p. 27). 



Distinctions. Superficially resembling the Goatsuckers, but much smaller and of 

 different type of coloration. More apt to be confused with the Chimney Swift than with 

 any other species, but without the spines at the end of the tail feathers. 



A world-wide family, of aerial habits, seldom coming to the ground 

 except for nesting material. Their feet are weak and suitable for alighting 

 only on small twigs, telegraph-wires, and similar perches. They take their 

 food on the wing and can often be seen sweeping over ponds, slightly 

 furrowing the still surface as they drink. They are skilful nestmakers and 

 build a remarkable variety of forms from bottle-necked structures of 

 kneaded mud to holes tunnelled in earth banks. 



Economic Status. Flying insects constitute almost the entire food of 

 the Swallows. Sailing high or low in the air as food results justify, the 

 Swallows attack many winged insects which are otherwise almost unmo- 

 lested. Over grain fields and about barnyards where insect-eating birds 

 are few the Swallows congregate and give efficient assistance to the agri- 

 culturist. Their dirt is sometimes objectionable when they nest in 

 numbers under the eaves of residences. It is well in such cases to provide 

 suitable nesting sites for them elsewhere about the farm buildings where 

 they can congregate without offence, for a large flock of Swallows about 

 the barnyard is of very great advantage to the farmer. 



Genus Progne. Martins. 



611. Purple Martin. PR. L'HIRONDELLE POURPREE. Progne subis. L, 8' 

 Plate XXXV B. 



Distinctions. The largest of our Swallows. Size and iridescent blue-black coloration 

 of the male Martin should be sufficient for the separation of the species. 



Field Marks. Size, colour, almost falcon-like manner of flight, and the voice make 

 good field marks. 



Nesting. Under primeval conditions in hollow trees. In civilization in artificial 

 bird houses, cavities in cornices of buildings, etc. They are sociable nesters and prefer 

 to build in communities of their own kind. 



Distribution. North and South America. A western subspecies occupies the Pacific 

 coast. The eastern form, which is the type race, frequents most of the settled sections of 

 eastern Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. The subspecies of the Purple Martin that occurs in eastern Canada 

 is the Eastern Martin P. s. subis, the type form. 



During the day the birds scatter over the country, returning at frequent 

 intervals with food for their young. At evening all return to the house 

 they occupy and retire within its shelter for the night. The young remain 

 for a considerable time in the nest and even after their first flight old and 

 young return to the nest at night. Martins are domestic and sociable 

 birds and greet each other with welcoming gurgles and chatterings. Each 

 is interested in the other's family affairs and there is a constant interchange 

 of visits between neighbours. They rarely quarrel among themselves but 

 show a united front to common enemies, especially the English Sparrow. 

 A colony when established can hold its own against that pest very well 



