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gregarious species and associates with other larks. They are found in many
areas of the State. The Eastern sky Lark (Alauda gulgula) is a familiar
resident bird, and in the breeding season it sings vigorously for long
periods on fluttering wings high up in the air.
Family Hirundinidae: There are 75 species of swallows and martins
throughout the world. Out of the 13 species found in India, 8 are recorded
from Maharashtra. These birds have long pointed primariesand arecapable
of sustained flight over long periods. The tails are deeply forked and in
some species the Central tail feathers project beyond the tail. Though they
have weak feet, they are capable of perching on telegraph wires and on the
bare branches of trees. They obtain their food by hawking aerial insects
and they breed in colonies making their nests of mud or excavating
burrows in soft mud-banks.
The Plain Sand Martin (Riparia paludicola) is a brown and white bird
found near river banks. It breeds in holes in banks from November to
February. The Crag Martin (Hirundo rupestris) is a slightly larger sandybrown
bird which breeds in the Himalayas and visits Maharashtra in
winter. The Dusky Crag Martin (Hirundo concolor), considerably smaller,
is a resident species and common throughout the State. It is usually found
near crags, old buildings and forts in the company of swallows and swifts.
It is solitary in its nesting habits and the nest is neat saucer of mud affixed
to a wall. The breeding season is between July and September.
The Common Swallow (Hinrundo rustica) is a winter visitor from
Europe seen here between September and April. They are glossy blue
above and white below, and have been recorded from most areas of the
State.
The, Wiretailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) is a resident bird easily
recognised by its projecting tail feathers. The Indian Cliff Swallow
(Hirundo fluvicola) is smaller than most other swallows and its underparts
are streaked with black. It is a resident species and its mud-nest lined
with feathers is attached to ceilings, bridge girders and other places.
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