BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 135 



and feet, black. Length, about seven inches. The female 

 shows less chestnut on the forehead, and the two outer tail- 

 feathers are shorter than in the male. 



1bou0e flftartin. 



THE House Martin (Chelidon urbica, Linnaeus) is a summer 

 migrant to the British Isles. It nests throughout most 

 parts of Europe and Northern Africa, and is found in 

 winter south of Abyssinia. The adult has the head, neck, 

 and back bright glossy bluish - black ; rump, white; wings 

 and tail, dullish black ; under parts, white ; irides, dark 

 hazel; bill, black; legs and feet covered with white feathers. 



