SAND MARTIN.
Hirundo riparia, Lenn.

L Hirondelle de rivage.

Wirn the exception of the place chosen for the purpose of incubation, the Sand Martin resembles its
congeners; but in this respect the whole tribe of which this delicate species forms a part, are singularly
different, both as regards the form of their nests and the situations chosen for their reception: for instance,
if we examine the four species which take up their summer residence in the British Islands, we find that the
Swift is directed to ruins, particularly inaccessible towers, and large public buildings; the Swallow gives
preference to the entrances of chimneys and the mouths of pits ; while the little Fairy Martin adheres its hard
clay nest to the sides of our dwellings, as if to court our protection and care; and the delicate little bird
which forms the subject of the present plate is directed by the impulse of nature to nidify in places
remarkably different from either of these, viz., steep and precipitous sand-banks, pits of chalk, &c., more
particularly the former, appearing to give a preference to banks overhanging water, though we have
occasionally observed their breeding-places far remote from any water. In the most maccessible parts of
these situations this little excavator digs a horizontal hole of considerable depth, sometimes even to three or
four feet, at the far end of which it places a nest, loosely constructed of dried grass and feathers, in which are
deposited four or five delicate eggs, of a clear white. As soon as the young gain sufficient strength, they
reach the edge of their subterraneous passage, and at an early period wing their way after their parents, who
soon teach them to capture insects for themselves and become independent of their assistance.

The task of reproduction being performed, the Sand Martin congregates in flocks, which are greatly
augmented by the end of autumn, at which period the multitude assembled almost surpasses belief. The
naturalist cannot look upon the vast herd of these little birds which collect to roost in the osier-beds on the
banks of the Thames before their final departure, without admiring the design of an all-wise Creator in
protecting these humble creatures during the period above alluded to, as by their means alone are kept in
subjection the vast myriads of insects, which would otherwise become so numerous as to defy the power of
man, with all his ingenuity, either to annihilate, or to work any apparent diminution of their numbers.

We have often observed the Sand Martin as early as the month of March, from which circumstance it must
be ranked among the earliest of our summer visitors. There are few birds that have a more extensive range,
being common throughout Europe, the continent of Africa, some portions of India, and, if we mistake not, it
is spread over a great portion of the American continent.

It feeds exclusively on flies, which it captures on the wing, being endowed with powers of flight equal to
any other species of the genus.

The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young of the year resemble the adults, except that the feathers
of the upper parts are edged with a lighter margin.

The top of the head, upper surface, the body, and tail dark brown; throat, belly, and under tail-coverts
white ; primaries, bill, and feet blackish brown.

The young of the year have the same colouring as the adult, except that each feather on the upper surface
is bordered with yellowish white.

We have figured an adult, and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.