HIRUNDINID/E. 109 



Bee-eaters, the Kingfishers, and the Todies. These, as far 

 as they are included in our plan, we shall consider in 

 detail. 



HIRUNDINIim SWALLOWS. 



Marvellous rapidity of flight is a leading characteristic of 

 the present family, in the power of sustaining which, the 

 Swifts, which belong to it, surpass all other birds. Mem- 

 bers of this family are found in all parts of the world, and 

 are everywhere migratory. 



THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW. Hirundo rustica. This well- 

 known bird is abundant in central and southern Europe, 

 but decreases in numbers northward. In April it visits our 

 own land, and is always welcomed as the harbinger of 

 brighter seasons. Its nest is built of mud or clay, strength- 

 ened with straw or slender roots, open at the top, and lined 

 with feathers. It is frequently placed in outhouses, sheds, 

 or barns, upon the cross-beams, or against those which sup- 

 port the roof; other situations for building are, the insides 

 of chimneys (whence its name), the eaves of houses, and 

 the forsaken shafts of mines and coal-pits. The eggs are 

 four or five in number, white spotted with grey and dull- 

 red or reddish-brown. 



