106 



3. URBICA. MARTIN. 



H. nigro-ccerulescens subtus uropygioque albis, rectri- 

 cibus immaculatis. Shaw. 



The bill is black ; the irides hazel ; the head and 

 back are purplish black ; the breast, belly, and rump 

 are white; the feet are covered with white down; 

 the mouth is yellow. 



The Martin arrives in April, and retires the latest 

 of any species. 



It builds its nest under the eaves of houses ; it is 

 composed of mud and straw. 



The female lays eggs of a pure white, and often 

 breeds three times in a season, having about 5, 4, or 

 3 young. 



4. APUS. 



CYPSELUS ) SWIFT, OR BLACK MAR- 



VULGARIS, SHAW.) TIN. 



A , nigricanSy gula alba . S h i w . 



The b.eak is black ; the irides hazel ; the whole 

 plumage is sooty black, except a white spot on the 

 chin ; the feet are very short. 



Weight 1 oz. expands 18 inches. 



It builds in towers or steeples, and forms its nest 

 of dry grass and feathers. 



The female lays 2 white oblong eggs, and only 

 breeds once in the season. 



