6i8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX. 



Family HIRUNDINIDvE. Swallows. 



Some 8s or 90 species of Swallows are known from different parts 

 of the world. They are insectivorous birds and therefore migratory. 

 Being strong flyers, they are able to travel great distances with 

 surprising swiftness. They usually assemble in la,rge flocks just 

 prior and during the migrations. The nesting habits vary with 

 different species; some nest in holes in trees, others in banks, while 

 still others build their nests on rafters in barns and outbuildings. 



Genus PROGNE Boie. 



282. Progne subis (Linn.). 



Purple Martin. 



Distr.. Breeds throughout whole of United States (except Cali- 

 fornia) and northern Mexico, north to southern Quebec and south- 

 ern Athabaska region ; south in winter to Central America and north- 

 ern South America. 



Adult male: Brilliant dark steel-blue; wings and tail, dark fus- 

 cous, tinged with bluish; bill, black. 



Purple Martin. 



Adult female: Upper plumage, dark steel-blue; forehead, gray- 

 ish; throat, breast, and sides, brownish gray, the feathers edged with 

 whitish; middle of belly, white. 



