Birds of Luc know. 559 
common. Indeed^ I tliink tliat I have only once or twice seen 
it, in the long patowal or sarpatta grass on the banks of the 
Goomti. Reid stated that it was fairly common in the cold 
weather in November and December, and again in March 
and April. The native bird-catchers usually have one or two 
pairs in their cages, probably caught in the district. 
No. 809. CoTiLE SINENSIS. Indian Sand-Martm. 
Chota Ababil [H.] . 
Very common and a permanent resident. Breeds in 
colonies in holes, which it excavates for itself, in the river- 
banks, less commonly in nullahs and cuttings. The nests, 
which are usually very dirty, are made of grass and feathersc 
The eggs, three to five in number, are laid from December to 
May, possibly also in other months. They are, of course, 
pure white. 
Average of 22 Lucknow eggs . . ; '66" X '46" 
Measurement of largest egg -73" X '45'' 
jj 
smallest Qg^ -64" x •45" 
No. 813. HiRUNDO RusTicA (Linn.). Swallow. 
Ababil^ [H.]. 
A common cold-weather visitor, appearing in October and 
departing in May. Reid remarked that it seemed, as a rule, 
to prefer open country away from towns, and was especially 
partial to jheels. 
No. 818. HiRUNDO sMiTHi. Wire-tailed Swallow. 
A permanent resident. It is very partial to water, as are 
other Swallows, doubtless on account of the insect-life. It 
breeds with us in March and April, and possibly again in 
the rains. The nest is a shallow cup of mud lined with 
feathers, usually placed under a bridge or culvert. The 
eggs are three in number, white with red spots. Last year 
I found the birds breeding in the verandah of a bungalow at 
the Solon Brewery, near Simla (5000 feet), as late as the end 
of September. This, I believe^ was the third clutch. It was 
hatched out successfully, and I used to spend many spare 
* A name commonly apphed to all Swallows, Martins, and Swifts. 
