PURPLE MARTIN. 

 611. Progne subis. 7% inches. 

 Male, blue black; female, dull black and grayish. 



These large, jolly Swallows are commonly seen about 

 cities and towns within their range. Originally they 

 dwelt in hollow trees, and some do yet, but the ma- 

 jority 'have recognized the superiority of man's dwell- 

 ing and now live in houses built especially for them 

 or in cornices of houses or barns. It is no uncommon 

 sight to see a handsome gabled structure of many 

 rooms, perched upon a twelve-foot pole, on the lawns 

 of many wealthy residents; others less bountifully sup- 

 plied with this world's goods use plain soap boxes for 

 the same purpose, and the Martins seem to like the one 

 as well as the other. 



Song. A strong, varied grating warble or twitter, 

 more forcible than melodious. 



Nest. Of straw, paper, rags, etc., in bird houses, 

 gables or hollow trees; eggs dull white (.98 x .72). 



Range. N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New 

 Brunswick and Saskatchewan ; winters in northern South 

 America. 



