﻿26 Birds 



HOUSE-MAETIN. 



Chelidon urbica. 



The Martin, also known as the House-Martin, is a common 

 ■summer migrant to this country, but usually arrives about ten days 

 later than the Swallow. About the third week of April is the 

 normal time of its appearance. Excepting the Hebrides, it is 

 distributed throughout the British Islands. 



It may readily be distinguished from the Swallow hy the 

 conspicuous pure white rump and the absence of the long 

 attenuated outer pair of tail-feathers. The Martin has the 

 crown, nape and back rich, glossy blue-black, rump and under-parts 

 white, also white feathers clothe the little legs and feet ; the wings 

 and tail are black, as also is the bill. 



The nest of this familiar bird is constructed of pellets of mud, 

 which becomes exceedingly brittle when dry, and has a lining of 

 dried grass and generally feathers. It is usually built against the 

 wall of a house, close up to and under the eave or other projection 

 which forms a covering, as it is completely closed in except a small 

 hole left at the top edge. Ledges of rocks are also used as nesting 

 sites. 



The eggs number from four to six; they are elongated and 

 pure white. 



Like the Swallow, the Martin feeds entirely upon insects 

 captured on the wing, small flies, gnats, and other kinds. It is one 

 of the most useful of birds by keeping in check various troublesome 

 and injurious insects. Unfortunately the noxious House-Sparrow 

 greatly interferes with the nesting of this beneficial bird by driving 

 it from its nest for the purpose of making use of it for its own 

 family. 



SAND-MAETIN. (PL XL) 



Cotile riparia. 



The Sand-Martin is the smallest of the Swallow family which 

 visits this country, and is the earliest to arrive. The last few days 

 of March or early in April is the usual time of its appearance, and 

 it leaves again towards the end of August or during September. It 

 is more local in its distribution than either the Swallow or House- 

 Martin, owing to the more restricted situation of its nesting 



