Birds. 1109 



The geographical range of the hoopoe is related by ornithologists 

 to extend from India even to Scandinavia. 



Kingfisher, Alcedo Is pi da. Breeds and remains with us the 

 whole year. It is remarkable for the extreme velocity with which it 

 flies, and generally follows the course of the river. It is rarely seen 

 in company. However, I have once, Dec. 28th, 1829, observed four 

 or five of these birds flying about together, and sitting on the trees 

 that hung over a rivulet near here. They were making shrill and loud 

 chirping screams, while two of them were either fighting or playing. 

 The large size of the bill and head, gives this exquisitely painted 

 creature a most awkward appearance : it seems, in fact, as if it were 

 top-heavy. 



Swallow, Hlrundo rustica. The migration of birds has been 

 noticed by the earliest writers. We find, indeed, an allusion made 

 thereto by the inspired author of the book of Job — the most ancient 

 human composition now extant in the world. The passage I refer to 

 is the 26th verse of the 39th chapter, where the migration of the 

 hawk is clearly meant. But the prophet Jeremiah has most distinctly 

 said (that some other birds) " and the swallow observe the time of 

 their coming," (see v. 7, c. viii). With the ancient Greeks, also, the 

 swallow was held to migrate, and the wind which used to blow from 

 the south or south-west, at the usual time in the spring, was by them 

 called Chelidonias, from %e^Jwv, a swallow, because with it, that bird 

 used to arrive. Then they celebrated their spring festival, and always 

 esteemed that bird as sacred. So now, the modern Greeks account 

 the swallow as a favourite, and protect it with a superstitious love. 

 For an interesting anecdote of a swallow, refer to Clarke's ' Travels 

 in Greece,' vol. viii. p. 126, 8vo. edit. Both the Romans and the 

 Greeks supposed Africa to be the place of hybernation of the swal- 

 low. And indeed, the former people were most likely to have ascer- 

 tained that interesting fact from actual observation, as they had many 

 colonies in Africa ; and being there at all seasons of the year, they 

 had every opportunity of confirming their knowledge on this subject. 

 For a few lines in answer to a query on the " Migration and breeding 

 of Swallows," by me (signed J. H. N., March 5, 1830) see Loudon's 

 'Mag. Nat. Hist.' p. 474, vol. iii. And with regard to the Hirundinidse, 

 I will add nothing farther here, as the question of their migration is 

 now satisfactorily determined. 



Martin, Hirundo urbica. 



Sand Martin, Hirundo riparia. Common in certain spots, such 

 as sandy or earthy banks, near rivers, or the sea-coast, where it builds : 



