Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes. Family: Hirundinidae
A group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. There are about 83 species worldwide, 8 in Britain.
Common name | Binomial | Status |
---|---|---|
Sand Martin | Riparia riparia | A breeding summer visitor |
Tree Swallow | Tachycineta bicolor | A rare vagrant |
Purple Martin | Progne subis | A rare vagrant |
Crag Martin | Ptyonoprogne rupestris | A rare vagrant |
Barn Swallow | Hirundo rustica | A breeding summer visitor |
House Martin | Delichon urbicum | A breeding summer visitor |
Red-rumped Swallow | Cecropis daurica | A rare vagrant |
Cliff Swallow | Petrochelidon pyrrhonota | A rare vagrant |
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Great Britain
Famous quotes containing the word swallows:
“Workworkwork,
In the dull December light,
And workworkwork,
When the weather is warm and bright
While underneath the eaves
The brooding swallows cling
As if to show me their sunny backs
And twit me with the spring.”
—Thomas Hood (17991845)