The Common House Martin is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia, and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the Delichon genus, which are endemic to eastern and southern Asia. Its scientific name (Delichon urbicum) and common name both relate to its use of man-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies, but sometimes fouling below nests can be a problem. It is hunted by the Eurasian Hobby, and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites, although its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally. Its proximity to man has led to some cultural and literary references, including a description in Macbeth.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_House_Martin

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

25:

Guangwu claimed the throne as emperor of the Han Dynasty after Wang Mang, who had seized the throne himself and proclaimed the Xin Dynasty, died when peasant rebels besieged Chang'an. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emperors_of_the_Han_Dynasty

1583:

Explorer Humphrey Gilbert established the first English colony in North America at what is now St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John%27s,_Newfoundland_and_Labrador

1861:

With the passage of the Revenue Act, the U.S. government issued its first income tax: 3% of all incomes over $800 (later rescinded in 1872). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_the_United_States

1925:

The Welsh political party Plaid Cymru was founded with the goals of promoting the Welsh language and the political independence of the Welsh nation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Plaid_Cymru

2003:

A suicide bomber detonated a car bomb outside the lobby of the JW Marriott Hotel in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, Indonesia, killing twelve people and injuring 150. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Marriott_Hotel_bombing

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

dog days: 1. The days between early July and early September when Sirius (the Dog Star) rises and sets with the Sun. 2. Hot, lazy days 3. A period of inactivity, laziness, or stagnation. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dog_days

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

As soon as the generals and the politicos can predict the motions of your mind, lose it. Leave it as a sign to mark the false trail, the way you didn't go. Be like the fox who makes more tracks than necessary, some in the wrong direction. Practice resurrection.   --Wendell Berry https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Wendell_Berry