BIRD BIOGRAPHIES 



in the Jersey marshes, which Mr. HorsfalFs accom- 

 panying drawing depicts. 

 Range: North America from Alaska and northern Canada to 

 southern California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and 

 Virginia. They winter from central California, 

 southern Texas, southern parts of the Gulf States 

 and southeastern North Carolina, south over Mexico, 

 Guatemala, and Cuba; sometimes in New Jersey. 

 They eat bayberries that grow along the coast, and 

 thus are able to remain farther north in winter than 

 their relatives. 



FIRST of the swallow host to speed northward is the 

 Tree Swallow, that migrates in April, as soon as a 

 sufficient number of insects have hatched to furnish a liv- 

 ing for these almost wholly insectivorous birds. Their 

 cheerful twitter and beautiful circling flight make them 

 very welcome. 



Swallows have always been regarded with favor. They 

 were formerly considered a good omen, and were thought 

 to bring fair weather and prosperity. I shall always re- 

 member the welcoming swallow that met our ship near the 

 Scilly Islands one June day, and preceded us without 

 resting for long hours as we voyaged close to the shore 

 of England. It seemed to presage the good fortune that 

 followed us. 



Swallows fly with their broad beaks ready to open, and 

 catch unwary insects with great ease. They rise early 

 and continue their ceaseless quest for small beetles, flies, 

 mosquitoes, and other insects. Professor Beal says: 

 "Most of these are either injurious or annoying, and the 

 numbers destroyed by swallows are not only beyond cal- 



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