The Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), ii., 71.
Arrives abundantly about the 27th of April, remaining until about August, though young birds of the year have been found in October. However disregardful of its young, the cuckoo makes ample amends in its conjugal fidelity, for when one of either sex is seen, you may be quite sure that its mate is not far off.
The Wryneck, or Cuckoo’s Mate (Yunx Torquilla), ii., 61.
Rare, coming mostly with the cuckoo, which it somewhat resembles.
The Swallow (Hirundo rustica), ii., 76.
Common and familiar everywhere. Social, harmless, and useful, and perhaps as much beloved as the robin itself, if only because of its fondness for human habitations.
The House Martin (Hirundo riparia), ii., 79.
Common and familiar, and, like the swallow, always welcome. This odd bird often takes for the foundation of its nest one constructed the previous year by the swallow. The swallow’s nest is open at the top. The house–martin likes to have a roof or lid, so goes on with the one it adopts till finished to its own fancy, keeping only an aperture for ingress.
The Sand Martin (Hirundo urbica), ii., 78.