MARTIN. 349 



PASSERE8. HIRUNDINIDSE. 



if i 



. . ^ <^ 



CHELIDON URBICA (Linnaeus*). 

 THE MARTIN. 

 Hirundo urbica. 



CHELTDON, F. Boie.^ Bill short, depressed and very wide at the base, commis- 

 sure slightly decurved. Nostrils basal, oval, partly closed by a membrane and 

 opening laterally. Wings, with nine primaries, long and pointed. Tail forked, 

 of twelve feathers, the outermost not abruptly attenuated. Legs and feet 

 slender, closely feathered above, toes rather long, three in front, one behind, 

 claws moderate, sharp. 



THE spring- appearance of the Martin in Europe is usually 

 some days later than that of the Swallow whose habits 

 its own in many respects closely resemble, but the former 

 does not with us attach itself so exclusively to buildings as 

 does the latter, and though it is often observed to be more 

 numerous in towns than the Swallow, the Martin yet retains 

 in this country some of its original seats, for it still chooses 

 its breeding-place in cliifs, generally on the coast, but some- 

 times inland, and quite apart from any human habitation. 



* Ifirundo urbica, Linnams, Syst. Nat. Fxl. 12, i. p. 344 (1766). 

 f Isis, 1822, p. 550. 



