234 Catalogue of the Birds [Apkix 



northern parts, however, it is more abundant, and generally spread, 

 frequenting not only the neighbourhood of water, but also fields, 

 gardens and open plains. It. is found in small parties of 4, 6 or more. 

 It breeds in holes of old walls and buildings, generally in the neigh, 

 bourhood of water, also in wells and bowries, forming a small mud 

 nest much open at the top. Its long tail feathers are only observable 

 at a few yards distance, and in consequence of this, nine-tenths of 

 Europeans here are unaware of its existence. It occasionally percheg 

 on trees. 



Length to end of true tail 4\ to 4| ; of wings (Ik inch beyond 

 tail) 4 , 6 - ths ; tail 1J ; long thread-like feathers beyond tail 5 inches ; 

 and more even. 



261. — H. concolor, Sykes. — Small black Swallow. 



I have never observed this plain coloured Swallow in the Carnatic, 

 northern division, or west coast, and only towards the more northern 

 portion of the Deccan. It is by no means numerous here — is solitary, 

 frequents tanks and rivers, and also gardens, fields and villages. It 

 breeds in the caves of houses, in high walls, and other buildings. 

 Length to end of tail 4 T Vhs; of wings 4 ; tail 2. 



2G2. — H. Unicolor. — New species. — Hill Swallow. 



Descr. — Entirely of a glossy cinereous, or mouse brown ; darkest on 

 head, wings and tail, and with a tinge of green, and palest beneath. 



Length 4f ; of wing 4£; beyond the tail 1 inch; tail 2; slightly 

 forked and with the feathers very broad. The bill of this Swallow is 

 much smaller than that of any of the Indian ones, and is also much 

 hooked. It most closely resembles the Cyp. pulmarum in colour. 

 Tarsus Jith ; feet very small. 



I have only found this remarkable species on the Coonoor pass of the 

 Neilgherries, and about the edges of the hills. It Hies in large flocks, 

 and with very great speed. 



263.— H. Sinensis, Gray and Hard. 111. I. Zool. ?.— New species ?— 

 River Martin of India. 



I know not if the little Martin I possess, be referable to the species 

 above named or not, though I think it is probably distinct. I have only 

 found it on one or two occasions in small parties, frequeuting rivers, 

 and breeding in holes in the river banks, during the month of De» 

 cember. I add a brief description. 



