162 EGGS OF BEITISH BIRDS. 



on a nest of the Sparrow containing eggs, the Swift having, 

 doubtless, ejected the original tenant. 



The eggs of the Swift are two or three in number, generally 

 the former, but sometimes as many as four are laid. They are 

 elongated in shape, the small end almost as blunt as the large 

 end, rough in texture, with little gloss, and almost pure white in 

 colour. They vary from T08 to 0'93 inch in length, and from 0'7 

 to 062 inch in breadth. Swifts' eggs are readily distinguished 

 from those of the Martin by their larger size, more oval shape, 

 and rougher texture. 



THE WHITE-BELLIED SWIFT. 

 (Cyjjselus melba.)* 



Plate 48, Fig 3. 



The White-bellied or Alpine Swift has been obtained frequently 

 in the British Islands. It breeds in the Alpine districts of Europe 

 south of the Baltic, and in the Ural Mountains its range extends 

 up to lat. 55°. Eastwards it ranges through Asia Minor, Palestine, 

 West Turkestan, to the Western Himalayas, and the mountain 

 ranges of Western India and Ceylon. 



The nest is built in a hole or crevice, generally in the most 

 inaccessible part of the cliffs, sometimes where they overhang. 

 It is usually at some distance from the entrance ; and even if this 

 can be approached, the eggs, often in sight of the collector, are 

 beyond his reach. The nest is a very similar structure to that of 

 the Common Swift, rather small, and made of dry grass, straws, 

 and feathers, very flat, and cemented together with the saliva of 

 the bird. Most of the nesting materials are obtained whilst the 

 bird is on the wing, but the remains of other nests may some- 

 times be utilised. 



The eggs are deposited late in May, and are usually two or 

 three in number, but it is said that' four and even five sometimes 

 occur. They are elongated, and the small end is almost as blunt 

 as the large end. They are pure white in colour, and vary from 

 1'3 to 1'2 inch in length, and from 0'8 to 072 inch in breadth. 

 Their size easily prevents their being confused with those of the 

 Common Swift. 



* Micropus melba — Sharpe, Handb., II., p. 38. 



