64 
Synopsis of the Birds 
Social : assemble in large flocks to migrate ; live gene- 
rally in families, constructing their nests together, and often 
assist each other in the work. Some build in hollow trees, 
chimneys, and even on the ground ; nest artfully constructed, 
composed of materials that harden by drying, and lined 
within with feathers and other soft substances : rear usually 
several broods in a year ; both sexes nurse the young. Fre- 
quent watery places in pursuit of winged insects, which they 
take with agility. Skim over the water, drink and wash 
themselves without alighting. Ascend to the elevated regions 
of the atmosphere in fair weather; before rain fly moderately 
highland .after skim the earth. 
Inhabit every part of the globe. 
71. Hirundo purpurea, L. Bluish-purple, glossy; wings 
and forked tail blackish. 
Female and young bluish-brown ; belly whitish. 
Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Wils. Am. Orn. v.p. 58. 
pi. 39* fig- 1* male: 2. female. 
Inhabits the whole continent of America: common during 
summer throughout the United States. 
72. Hirundo rufa, Gra. Above and band on the breast steel- 
blue ; front and beneath rufous; tail forked ; a white spot 
on the lateral feathers, outer ones much narrowed and elon- 
gated. 
Barn Swallow, Hirundo americana, Wils. Am. Orn. v. 
p. 34. pi. 38. fig. i. male. 2 female. 
Inhabits the United States during summer : common. 
73. Hirundo fulva, Vieill. Blue-black, beneath brownish- 
white ; throat, front and rump ferruginous ; tail even. 
Fulvous or Cliff Swallow , Hirundo fulva , Nob. Am. Orn. i. 
p. 63. pi. 7. fig. 1. 
Inhabits during summer the western parts of the United 
States, advancing every year more to the eastward : very 
