Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes. Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is 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. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are about 83 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malta.
- Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
- Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (A)
- House Martin Delichon urbicum
- Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Malta
Famous quotes containing the word swallows:
“Work—work—work,
In the dull December light,
And work—work—work,
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 (1799–1845)