PROGNE CONCOLOR [Gould). 



DARWIN'S PURPLE MARTIN. 



Hirundo concolor, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 22. 



Progne modesta, Gould in Voy. ' Beagle,' Birds, p. 39, pi. v. (1811) ; Gray, Gen. B. 



i. p. 59 (1845); Bp. Cousp. i. p. 337 (1850); PreV. et Des Murs, Voy. 'Venus,' 



v. p. 182 (1855). 

 Progne concolor, Baird, R-eview Amer. B. p. 278 (1861); Gray, IIand-1. B. i. p. 71, 



no. 888 (1809) ; Salvin, Trans. Z. S. ix. p. 176 (1876). 

 ffirundo modesta, Neboux, Rev. Zool. 1810, p. 291; Sundev. P. Z. S. 1871, p. 125. 



P. minor : unicolor : fasciis albis ad latera dorsi imi sitis absentibus. 



Hab. in insulis Galapagensibus. 



Adult. Similar to P. purpurea, but smaller, and having no silky white feathers either on the sides of the 

 back or sides of the flanks. Total length 6"5 inches, culmen O'-io, wing 1"95, tail2"7, tarsus - 45. 



The female is described by Dr. Neboux as being smaller than the male, and of a greyish-brown colour. 



Hab. Galapagos Islands. 



This species is apparently confined to the Galapagos Islands, where it was discovered by 

 the late Mr. Charles Darwin. He found it on James Island, and, during the expedition 

 of the 'Venus,' Dr. Neboux met with it on Charles Island. Dr. Ilabel, according to 

 Mr. Salvin, saw the species on Indefatigable Island, but did not bring home any specimens. 



Mr. Darwin's note on the species is as follows : — 



" This bird was observed only on this one island of the group, and it was there very 

 far from common. It frequented a bold cliff of lava overhanging the sea. Had not 

 Mr. Gould characterized it as a distinct species, I should have considered it only as a 

 small variety, produced by an uncongenial site, of the Progne purpurea. I can perceive 

 no difference whatever from that bird, excepting in its less size, slenderness of limbs, 

 and less deeply forked tail ; and the latter difference may perhaps be owing to youth." 



The figure and description are taken from the type specimen in the British 

 Museum. 



