BIRD BIOGRAPHIES 



"When the first explorers reached the Yellowstone and 

 other western rivers, swallows were found breeding on 

 the precipitous banks. As settlers gradually worked 

 their way westward, the swallows found nesting-places 

 under the eaves of their rough buildings. In these new 

 breeding-places they were better protected from the ele- 

 ments and their enemies than on their native cliffs and 

 so the Cliff Swallow became the Eave Swallow, and, fol- 

 lowing the settlements, rapidly increased in numbers and 

 worked eastward." ^ These swallows were very numer- 

 ous fifty years ago. It is now generally conceded that 

 English sparrows are largely responsible for their de- 

 crease. It is greatly to be deplored, for swallows add 

 much to the charm of out-door life, and subtract many 

 annoyances in the form of insect pests, especially flies 

 and mosquitoes. 



THE BANK SWALLOW 



Swallow Family — Hirundinidce 



Length: A little over 5 inches; the smallest of the six common 



swallows. 

 General Appearance: Brownish-gray above; band of same 



color across breast; throat and under parts white. 



The gray head and white throat form a cap similar 



in effect to that of the tree swallow. 

 Note: A twitter, less pleasing than that of the martin and the 



barn swallow. 

 Habitat: Sandy banks of rivers, and shores of lakes. 

 Nests: In holes made in sand-banks. 



iFrom "Useful Birds and Their Protection," by E. H. Forbush, page 



[178] 



