wood-swallow

American  

[wood-swol-oh] / ˈwʊdˌswɒl oʊ /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of wood-swallow

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

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

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

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