GEN. CHAR. Nostrils lateral. Tarsi short, not exceeding middle toe
without its claw; the upper joint covered with feathers, which extend
a short distance along the inner face of tarsus. Tail very deeply
forked; the lateral feather much attenuated, twice as long as the
middle. Basal joint of middle toe free for terminal fourth on outside,
for half on inside. Nest partly of mud, and lined with feathers; eggs
spotted.
In type, and in American species, the forehead and throat rufous; a
black pectoral collar; tail-feathers with large light spots on inner
webs.
But one species, so far as known, of this subgenus as restricted,
belongs to America. There are, however, quite a number known in the
Old World.
Hirundo horreorum, BARTON.