352 NOTES ON THE 



It does not come quite as early, nor remain quite as long as 

 the Black-bellied Swallow, but is far more numerous, and 

 domestic. 



Its habits are essentially the same as those of the Barn Swal- 

 low in flight as well as in feeding, but it builds a different nest, 

 both as to form and some of its elements. Its construction 

 consists of pellets of mud plastered onto the perpendicular 

 surface of rocks at considerable elevation from the ground, and 

 underneath jutting ledges, or beneath the eaves and cornices 

 of buildings, beginning upon a broad base which is uniformly 

 built out from the building, or cliff, far enough for a comfort- 

 able-sized cavity which is closed over except that a neck, curv- 

 ing a little downward, is extended somewhat, through which is 

 formed the entrance. 



Into this inclosed cavity are carried a lining of fine grass, 

 and feathers. Five slightly pinkish -white eggs, spotted more 

 or less thickly with fine specks of reddish, brown and purplish, 

 are layed about the 20th of May — perhaps occasionally a little 

 earlier, but quite as likely a little later. Two and three broods 

 are reared in the season. 



They are quite uniformly distributed throughout the state in 

 localities favoring them with breeding places. It has been said 

 that they sometimes burrow into banks to nest after the man- 

 ner of the Bank Swallows — (Clivicola riparia (Linn.).) — but 

 I do not credit the observation. The rapidity of their flight 

 precludes the urgency of incubation as a reason for their enter- 

 ing the burrows of the other species, so that unless strong 

 proof is adduced I must reject it. 



They leave the country about the 20th of August. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



Crown and back steel-blue, the upper part of the latter with 

 concealed pale edges to the feathers; chin, throat, and sides 

 of the head, dark chestnut; breast fuscus; belly white; a steel- 

 blue spot on the throat; rump, light chestnut; forehead brown- 

 ish-white; a pale nuchal band; tail slightly emarginate. 



Length, 5; wing. 4.40; tail, 2.20. 



Habitat, North America at large. 



CHELIDON ERVTHROGASTER (Bodd^rt.) (613.) 

 BARN SWALLOW. 



This is undoubtedly the most abundant species of the whole 

 family of the swallows throughout the State, arriving in small 

 parties about the 25th of April, and building its nests about 



