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.

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Etymology

Origin of wood-swallow

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

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 Austral English A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia by Morris, Edward Ellis

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

From Confessions of a Beachcomber by Banfield, E. J. (Edmund James)