144 



THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 



Bill, small, flattened, and somewhat triangular in shape, the gape very wide; wings, very 



long, usually extending beyond the tail. (Chim- 

 ney Swifts, which belong' to a very different 

 faniilj', are often mistaken for Swallows when 

 seen flying about ; thej' are smoky black and 

 the shafts of the tail feathers extend in spines 

 beyond the webs. See next Family.) 

 Swiillow. 



Family HIRUNDINID/E. Swallows and Martins. 



See page 265. 



Plumage, smoky bhick; shafts of tail featliers, extending bej^ond the web in sharp spines. 

 Sonx'times mistaken for Swallows by persons unfamiliar with birds. 



Family MICROPODID/E. Swifts. 



See page 199. 



First primary, about half as long as third; 

 feet, zygodactyle (toes, two in front, two be- 

 ■^ liiud) ; outer tail feathers, very much shorter 

 than middle feathers. 



Family CUCULID/E. Cuckoos. 



See page 188. 



