Note 31 — PETER KALM’s TRAVELS. (continued 2)
Johann Reinhold Forster translation
The Purple Martins have likewise been described and drawn in their natural colours by Catesby31. Dr. Linnæus likewise calls them Hirundo purpurea. They are less common here than the former species; I have seen in several places little houses made of boards, and fixed on the outside of the walls, on purpose that these Martins may make their nests in them; for the people are very desirous of having them near their houses, because they both drive away hawks and crows as soon as they see them, and alarm the poultry by their anxious note, of the approach of their enemies. The chickens are likewise used to run under shelter, as soon as they are warned by the Martins.