144 



THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 



Bill, small, flattened, and somewhat triangular in shape, the gape very wide; wings, very 



long, usually extending beyond the tail. (Chim- 

 ney Swifts, which belong to a very different 

 family, are often mistaken for Swallows when 

 ^^ :&Mv\ seen flying about; they are smoky black and 



^^5^f^ the shafts of the tail feathers extend in spines 



/--'-^.-. - j beyond the webs. See next Family.) 



Swallow. 



Swallow. 



Martin. 



Family H1RUNDINID/E. Swallows and Martins, 



See page 265. 



Plumage, smoky black ; shafts of tail feathers, extending beyond the web in sharp spines. 

 Sometimes mistaken for Swallows by persons unfamiliar with birds. 



; 



Family MICROPODID/E. Swifts. 



See page 199. 



First primary, about half as long as third; 

 feet, zygodactyle (toes, two in front, two be- 

 hind) ; outer tail feathers, very much shorter 

 than middle feathers. 



Family CUCULID/E. Cuckoos. 



See page 188. 



