resembles H. monteiri, but there is not a sign of the white spots on the tail which are so strongly 

 characteristic of the latter species. 



Hab. West Africa; occurring in suitable localities from Senegambia to the Congo. North-east Africa; 

 Central Abyssinia and Kordofan, Shoa, and the sources of the Gazelle River. 



This large Swallow belongs to the red-rumped section of the genus Hirunclo. It is 

 distinguished by its large size from all its allies in this section, as well as by its uniform 

 under surface, without any dark striations. 



It was originally described from Senegal, and we have seen several specimens from 

 this part of Africa. Dr. de Rochebrune states that it is common there, and enumerates 

 the following localities where he has met with it — Salde, Dagana, Podor, Thionk, Sorres, 

 M'Bao, Ponte, Albreda, and Bathurst. It was not seen by Mr. Biittikofer in Liberia, 

 but it reappears on the Gold Coast. Mr. Blissett sent us a specimen from Ekraful, and 

 Capt. Shelley and Mr. T. E. Buckley found it near Accra, and more especially at 

 Quamin-fio. The birds " were paired in February, and probably breeding in the large 

 hollow trees, the topmost boughs of which they usually frequented." 



The following note is from the pen of the late Governor Ussher : — " This handsome 

 Swallow has only been observed by me on the plains of Accra, in the eastern districts of 

 the Gold Coast. I never saw it in the forest. They are generally to be found in small 

 companies of eight or ten perched on the tops of high decayed or leafless trees, and 

 occasionally leave their posts for food, uttering a peculiar and pretty cry. Water- 

 pools attract them much in this sparsely watered district. Their flight is powerful and 

 graceful beyond that of other Swallows. The natives hold them in some veneration, and 

 call them ' God's children,' and appeared scandalized at my shooting them, although they 

 were satisfied when I explained the purpose for which I was collecting their skins, and 

 that I was not impelled to do so from any wanton or inhumane motive." 



A specimen was obtained by Mr. Petit at Landana on the Congo, and is now in 

 Capt. Shelley's collection. This seems to be its southern limit on the west coast. 



Dr. von H euglin writes as follows : — " IT. senegalensis is a migratory bird in North- 

 eastern Africa. We found it from May to January in Kordofan and Central Abyssinia, at 

 a height of from 5000 to 9000 feet ; but near the sources of the Gazelle Piver only towards 

 the end of the rainy season. Biippell also received it from Shoa. These Swallows are 

 often seen in large flocks settling on the bare tops of trees, or flying backwards and 

 forwards., both high and low, in the meadows and grass-land, especially after thunder- 

 storms. The call is very loud and strong, and sounds plaintive and whistling, like te-er, 

 or lifted, lifted. According to Brehm it is even found on the Ped Sea. 



" Verreaux's statement that this Swallow occurs in Nubia is probably incorrect, 

 as in North-eastern Africa it does not seem to cross the 14th meridian." 



The late Marquis Antinori mentions this species under the name of Cecropis melcmo- 

 crissits, and states that it arrives in the Djur country towards the end of March, but 



