306 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



nearly white on the centre of the back ; the wings are black, with purple 

 and greenish reflections. The throat and upper breast, a patch on the 

 lower flanks, and the under tail-coverts are white, the remainder of the 

 underparts being rich brown. Bill black ; legs, feet, and claws dark 

 brown; irides hazel. The female resembles the male, but is a trifle 

 smaller. 



Most of the species belonging to this genus are small, the wings 

 measuring less than 6 inches in length. Besides the Needle-tailed Swift 

 there are four other large species, in which the length of wing ranges from 

 8 to 10 inches; but none of these have the throat white. 



m 



NEST OF PIED WAGTAIL. 



