Tile Singing of Birds. E.P. Bioknell. 
Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swallow. 
An almost universal misconception regards the Swallows as a 
tribe of songless birds. But the Barn Swallow has as true claims 
to song as many species of long-established recognition as song- 
birds. Its song is a low chattering trill, suggestive of that of the 
Long-billed Marsh Wren, but often terminating with a clear, liquid 
note with an accent as of interrogation, not unlike one of the 
notes of the Canary. This song is wholly distinct from the quick, 
double-syllabled note which so constantly escapes the bird during 
flight; nor is it, as may be supposed, produced by the comming- 
ling of the notes of many individuals in a species highly gregari- 
ous. I have heard it repeated many times from single birds, 
often when they were perched alone on telegraph wires. It is 
also uttered during flight, and continues into August. 
Auk, X, Oct. , 1684. p. 3 Z 6 
