progne

Progne is a genus of passerine birds in the swallow family Hirundinidae, commonly referred to as martins. The genus was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and includes several species found primarily in the Americas. Members are adapted to aerial insectivory and open habitats.

Notable members include the purple martin (Progne subis) and the brown-chested martin (Progne tapera). The exact number of species varies with taxonomic treatment, but the genus comprises several closely related martins that differ in plumage and geographic range.

Description and behavior: Progne species are medium-sized swallows with streamlined bodies and fast, agile flight. Upperparts are typically glossy blue-black, with lighter or patterned underparts in some species. They feed on flying insects, hawking them on the wing over open areas near water or fields. Nests are built in cavities, including natural holes, cliff crevices, or man-made structures, and many species nest in colonies or mixed colonies with other birds.

Distribution and migration: Progne swallows are primarily New World birds, breeding across North, Central, and South America. The purple martin is a notable long-distance migrant, breeding in much of North America and wintering in tropical regions of South America. Other species may be residents or undertake shorter migratory journeys depending on locality and climate.

In mythology: Progne is also the name of a figure in Greek mythology. She is described as the daughter of Pandion II and wife of Tereus; after a tragic chain of events, she is transformed into a swallow. This myth contributed to the association of the name Progne with the swallow in classical literature.