Progne

Progne is a genus of passerine birds, family Hirundinidae, the swallow family, comprising nine species found exclusively in the New World and each carrying martin in its common name, including the purple martin, brown-chested martin, Caribbean martin and grey-breasted martin. Members are medium-sized swallows adapted for aerial insect hunting, sharing the streamlined body plan typical of the family. The genus ranges from British Columbia to Mexico and the East Coast of North America, southward through Central and South America, with some species inhabiting Caribbean islands and the Galapagos Islands; it was formally established in 1826 by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie and takes its name from Procne of Greek mythology.