SWALLOWS AND MARTINS CHASING INSECTS 



The plate represents our three native species of the Swallow 

 Family {Hirundinidd), i.e., (i) the Common Swallow {Hiruiido 

 rusticd); (2) the House-Martin {Chelidon urbica); and (3) the 

 Sand-Martin {Cotile riparid). These summer visitors are remark- 

 able for great powers of flight, associated with long pointed wings, 

 a forked tail, and short, weak legs. They are untiring in the 

 pursuit of insects, their short broad beaks and wide gape being 

 adaptations for catching these on the wing. As weather-prophets 

 they are justly esteemed, flying high when the air is dry, and low 

 when it is charged with moisture, in accordance with the habits of 

 their prey. The Swallow is the largest of the three species, and its 

 mud-nests, resembling half a saucer in shape, are built by pre- 

 ference under the eaves of houses. Those of the House-Martin 

 are to be seen in similar situations, and differ in being roofed -over. 

 The Sand-Martin, as the name indicates, nests in sand-banks, 

 digging out a long burrow for the purpose. Swallows and Martins 

 alike return to the same nest year after year. 



