178 The House Martin. 

low, and frequents the same places on its first arrival ; 
indeed, many of its movements are like those of the 
swallow—its migratory nature also. The two species 
may very frequently be seen in company with each 
other, hawking for their food, which consists of winged 
insects; but though their flight and habits are so much 
alike, it is not difficult to distinguish the two kinds 
apart—either on the wing or when settled—as the long 
forked tail of the swallow, and the chestnut colour 
round the back, are totally different to the black and 
white plumage of the friend we are now speaking of. 
The House Martin may be known at a great dis- 
tance when flying against a dark background, such as 
sreen trees; for it is then the white spot on the lower 
part of the back shows most conspicuously, looking 
like a piece of white paper shooting through the air in 
a direct line , 
Soon after its arrival, it pays a visit to its old dwel- 
ling-spots ; for I believe these birds return to the same 
places year after year, though their old homes have 
probably been knocked down: I have seen them settle 
under the same eaves, two or three, or even fourtogether, 
