Artamidae (wood-swallows; class Aves, order Passeriformes) A family of highly social, smallish, brown or grey birds that have black and white markings and long, pointed wings. They are the only passerines with powder-down feathers. They are insectivorous, mainly aerial feeders, and inhabit clearings and open country near water, nesting on ledges or in trees. There is one genus (Artamus) containing 10 species, found in India, southern China, south-east Asia, Australasia, and some S. Pacific is islands.

Artamus (wood-swallows) See ARTAMIDAE.