NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 341 



616. Clivicola riparia (LINN.) [157.] 



Bank Swallow. 



Hab. Northern Hemisphere in general; in America, south in winter to Northern South America. 



The Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin, found throughout Europe, is 

 also equally common throughout North America, and breeds in the 

 greater part of its range. The holes in which this bird nests are exca- 

 vated by the bird in the perpendicular face of sand or gravel banks; 

 the depth ranges from two to four feet. The termination is usually 

 somewhat enlarged and the bottom is thinly covered with a few twigs, 

 grasses, and feathers. In suitable localities immense numbers will 

 occupy a large bank and so perforate it with holes as to present the 

 appearance of a huge honeycomb alive with bees. From four to six, 

 rarely seven, pure white eggs are deposited, with an average size of 

 72X.50; five specimens measure .68x49, .yix.52, .72 x .49, .73 x .51, 

 .72 x .52. Average size .71 x .50. 



617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (AUD.) [158.] 



Rough-winged Swallow. 



Hab. United States, from Atlantic to Pacific, and adjoining British Provinces (rare). Rare in New 

 England, except in Connecticut. 



This species and the Bank Swallow are often confounded. The 

 Rough-winged, however, is larger, has a more labored flight, lacks the 

 pure white of under parts, and the pectorial collar is incomplete and 

 obscured. The hooklets of the wings of the present species are only 

 fully developed in adult birds. The Rough-winged Swallow breeds 

 throughout most of its United States range, nesting in the crevices of 

 stone walls and arches over bridges, sometimes in a chink in the board- 

 ing of a building ; almost invariably over running water. The nesting 

 season is in May and June. The nest is simply constructed of grasses, 

 straws, and lined with a few feathers. The eggs are four to seven in 

 number, pure white, and closely resemble those of the Bank Swallow, 

 but the shells are more tender, and they average a trifle larger, .75 



x .53. 



618. Ampelis garruhis LINN. [150.] 



Bohemian Wax-wing. 



Hab. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere. In America, south regularly to the Northern 

 tier of States, and in the Rocky Mountains to Colorado; irregularly or casually to about 35 (Pennsylvania, 

 Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, and Arizona). 



The Bohemian Wax-wing looks like the Cedar-bird, but is much 

 larger. It is a restless, roving species, and its visits in the Northern 

 States are uncertain. Breeds in high latitudes, and in the West down 

 to the United States border in the Rocky Mountains. Its nest has been 

 found by Mr. Kennicott on the Yukon, and by Mr. McFarlane in the 

 Anderson River region. Its nesting is substantially the same as that of 

 the Cedar Wax- wing. Captain B. F. Goss has a set of four eggs of this 



