Birds of Britain (1907) (14751459862)

Identifier: cu31924001396625 (find matches)
Title: Birds of Britain
Year: 1907 (1900s)
Authors: Bonhote, J. Lewis (John Lewis), 1875-1922 Dresser, H. E. (Henry Eeles), 1838-1915
Subjects: Birds
Publisher: London, A. and C. Black
Contributing Library: Cornell University Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN



Text Appearing Before Image:
lers are either family parties that have delayed theirdeparture till the young were ready to fly, or more ofteninhabitants of the far north passing through on their longjourney to the tropics. Nest-building is not commenced till the middle of May,and by this time many of last years nests, which theywould fain repair, are tenanted by that abominable pest—the Sparrow. The nest is built entirely of mud, plasteredbit by bit against the side of some house which has over-hanging eaves. No straw is used to bind it together, but itis gradually built up to join the eaves till only a small holeis left as a doorway. The lining is composed of fine grassand many feathers, and the eggs, which rarely exceed fourin number, are pure white. At least two broods are rearedin the season, and then as the weather gets colder theygradually collect near rivers, where their food, in the shapeof flies and gnats, is more abundant, till finally, after 112 SAND-MARTIN Cotile rifaria Adult (right). Young (left) 4
Text Appearing After Image:
The House-Martin assembling like the Swallows in large flocks, they suddenlytake their departure. The whole of the upper parts, except the rump, which iswhite, are glossy blue-black; the under parts, including thefeathers on the feet, white. The tail is very slightly forked.The sexes are alike in plumage. The young resemble theirparents, but lack the gloss and are consequently brownish.They may also be recognised by having white tips to theinner secondaries. Length 5*3 in.; wiug 425 in. THE SAND-MARTIN Cotlle riparia (Llnnteus) This hardy little wanderer, the smallest and dullest ofthe Swallow tribe, braves our climate ere the March windshave ceased. At first he is generally found in the neighbour-hood of water, but he gradually spreads over the countryand eventually assembles in the sand-pits or gravel banks,where he makes his home. Though not attaching himselfto the dwellings of man, he is a sociable little bird andbreeds in colonies, which are in some places very large.They nest in