Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes. Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. In Massachusetts, nine species have been recorded.
- Purple Martin, Progne subis (n)
- Brown-chested Martin, Progne tapera (R)
- Tree Swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (n)
- Violet-green Swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (R)
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis (n)
- Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia (n)
- Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (n)
- Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (R)
- Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica (n)
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Massachusetts
Famous quotes containing the word swallows:
“The perch swallows the grub-worm, the pickerel swallows the perch, and the fisherman swallows the pickerel; and so all the chinks in the scale of being are filled.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)