HIRUNDINID.E THE SWALLOWS. 211 



A young specimen, full-fledged, in the collection of Mr. H. K. 

 Coale, of Chicago, is apparently referable to this species, but differs 

 quite markedly from any other example I have seen. The most 

 conspicuous feature is the decided and quite uniform buff tinge to 

 the whole throat, except along its posterior border, which calls to 

 mind several Central and South American species of Stelcridopteryx 

 (as S. niftcollis, S. uropygialis, etc.) ; the shade of the buff is lighter 

 however, while the rest of the plumage is altogether different. The 

 brownish gray pectoral band is wider and darker than usual, while 

 the upper parts are a shade or so darker than in the average. 

 Another very curious difference from the ordinary style of C. rip aria 

 consists in the deep rufous-buff terminal margins of the wing-coverts, 

 tertials, upper tail-coverts, and feathers of the rump, these markings 

 being grayish or yellowish white in all other specimens I have seen. 

 The measurements are as follows : Wmg, 3.60 ; tail, 2.00. It is 

 evidently not full grown. The specimen was taken at Riverdale, 

 near Chicago, Illinois, July 4, 1877. 



The distribution of the Bank Swallow within the limits of the 

 State may be said to be very general, and it is also one of the 

 most abundant species, occurring in colonies of greater or less ex- 

 tent wherever there are sand- or soft earth-banks in the vicinity of 

 water. It not unfrequently nests in the immediate vicinity of 

 colonies of the Kough- winged Swallow, and at Mount Carmel I have 

 found both species not only nesting in the same ravines, but appar- 

 ently mingling together in perfect harmony. 



GENUS STELGIDOPTERYX BAIRD. 



Stelgidopteryx BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 312. Type, Hirundo serripennis ATJD. 



"GEN. CHAR. Bill rather small; nostrils oval, superior, margined behind, but scarcely 

 laterally, by membrane, but not at all overhung; the axes of the outline converging. 

 Frontal feathers soft, and, like chin, without bristles. Tarsi equal to middle toe without 

 claw; the upper end covered with feathers all round, none at lower end. Basal joint of 

 middle toe adherent externally nearly to end; internally, scarcely half. Lateral toes 

 about equal, their claws not reaching beyond base of middle claw. Tail slightly emargi- 

 nate; the feathers broad, and obliquely rounded at end. Edge of the wing rough to the 

 touch; the shafts of the flbrilla^ of outer web of outer primary prolonged and bent at 

 right angles into a short stiff hook. Nest (of S. serripennis) in holes in banks; eggs pure 

 white, unspotted. 



"Color dull brown above." (Hist. N. Am. B.) 



"The birds of this genus have usually been referred to Cotyle, 

 which, however, they resemble, only in color. The nostrils are ex- 



