212 SWALLOWS. 



The aerial ability of Swallows accounts for their wide 

 distiibution, the eighty known sj^ecies being represented 

 in all parts of the world. Only six of them inhabit the 

 northeastern States, Imt they are so active and so easily 

 observed, that they rank among our most abundant and 

 best-known birds. 



Swallows are eminently insectivorous. The Tree Swal- 

 low is known to feed on bayberries when its usual fare is 

 wanting, but, with this exception, it is doubtful if any 

 but insect food passes a Swallow's bill from one year's 

 end to another. Kecalling now the activity of Swallows, 

 which both necessitates a large supply of food and pro- 

 cures it, and we must realize that these birds are incal- 

 culably beneficial. 



Both the feeding habits and powers of flight of Swal- 

 lows are such as their structure would lead us to expect, 

 but when we examine their nests we are amazed at the 

 architectural skill of builders so poorly provided with 

 tools. The large mud pocket of the Barn SwalloAV, the 

 clay retort of the Cliff Swallow, and the long burrow 

 which the Bank Swallow excavates, are surely not the 

 kind of homes we should expect these small-billed, weak- 

 footed, dainty creatures to construct. We will note, too, 

 that these feathered architects are quick to perceive and 

 take advantage of the new and favorable conditions for 

 nest-building found about the home of man. 



The Bank, Bough-winged, and Tree Swallows, and 

 the Purple Martin, lay white eggs ; the eggs of the Barn 

 and Cliff Swallows are speckled with cinnamon, olive, and 

 reddish brown. 



It is when nesting that Swallows best shoAv one of 

 their strong characteristics — their sociability. Many birds 

 live in flocks during part of the year, but separate in pairs 

 when nesting ; but most Swallows live on terms of such 

 intimacy that their nests seem to be merely apartments in 



