wood-swallow

[ wood-swol-oh ]

noun

1. any of several slate-colored songbirds of the family Artamidae, of southeastern Asia, Australia, and New Guinea, having long, pointed wings and noted for their swift, soaring flight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood-swallow¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The Sordid Wood-Swallow is partly migratory, and lives in small companies.

From Project Gutenberg

Fourteen of the 17 members of the Wood-Swallow family are confined to the Australian region.

From Project Gutenberg

The White-rumped Wood-Swallow extends from Australia through the islands to the Andaman Islands; another kind is found in India, Ceylon, and Burma.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the size of a small wood-swallow; black head, back, wings, and tail more or less blue-black; white throat; neck and breast light to rich brown.

From Project Gutenberg

The wood-swallow wears a becoming suit of soft pearly grey and white, to contrast with its black head and throat.

From Project Gutenberg