303 
lested. Over grain fields and about barnyards where insect-eating^birds 
are few the Swallows congregate and give efficient assistance to the*‘agri- 
culturist. Their dirt is sometimes objectionable when they nest in 
numbers under the eaves of residences. It is well in such cases to provide 
suitable nesting sites for them elsewhere about the farm buildings where 
they can congregate without offence. 
Figure 274 
Characteristic details of Swallows. 
a, head of Cliff Swallow. i, top view of bill. 6, foot, d, wing tips, e, outline of Cliff Swallow in flight; 
scale. a~d, natural size; e, about J. 
611. Purple Martin (Including Western Martin). Progne subis. L, 8. Plate 
LXII B. About the size of House Sparrow. Adult male, solid black, with steely blue 
and purple reflections. Female, dark, ashy brown above, lightening across breast, and 
dirty white below. 
Distinctions. The largest of our Swallows. Somewhat suggestive of the Black Swift, 
but black, highly iridescent, and a true Swallow (Compare Family details — Figure 274 
with 244, page 239). The female is a big, brown Swallow, much like a Rough-winged, but 
larger. 
Field Marks. Size, colour, strong Swallow flight, almost falcon-like in its directness, 
and voice make good field marks. Often seen about the business sections of the larger 
cities. 
Nesting. Originally in holes and hollows in trees. Now, mostly in artificial bird- 
houses, cavities in the eornices of buildings, etc. They are sociable nesters and prefer 
to build in communities of their own kind. 
Distribution. North and South America. In Canada, across the southern part of 
the Dominion, excepting the interior of British Columbia. They are common in eastern 
and central Manitoba, but are less numerous and rather local in Saskatchewan and Alberta 
and the west coast. 
SUBSPECIES. The Eastern Martin Progne subis subis occurs west to the moun- 
tains. On the coast is found the Western Martin Progne subis hes-peria , distinguished 
by the female being a little lighter in colour. 
One of the most charming birds to have about. A well-occupied, 
Martin house in the garden adds a last homey touch to the homestead 
and is well worth striving for. 
During the day the birds scatter over the country, returning at frequent 
intervals with food for their young. At evening all return to the house 
they occupy and retire within its shelter for the night. The young remain 
