SWALLOWS. 8l 



The eggs are from four to six in number. They are more elong- 

 ated than those of the Cliff Swallow, are white, marked with 

 spots and blotches of bright reddish-brown, chiefly at the larger 

 end. They average .78 by .56. 



155. TACHYCINETA BICOLOR. 



WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. 



Common throughout the whole United States. In Ohio the 

 White-bellied Swallows nest in the old excavations of woodpeckers, 

 or natural cavities of dead trees, always in the vicinity of water. 

 During their migrations these birds are seldom seen far from run- 

 ning streams. They arrive early in April. The nest is made of 

 leaves and grass thickly lined with feathers. 



The number of eggs is from four to seven and occasionally nine. 

 They vary in length from .75 to .85, and in breadth from .50 to .56. 



156. TACHYCINETA THALASSINA. 



VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. 



The Violet-green Swallow is a common bird from the central 

 plains of North America to the Pacific coast. Breeds abundantly 

 in California, arriving as early as the middle of March. It is also 

 found abundant in Oregon and Washington Territory. Nests in 

 the knot-holes of oak and other deciduous trees, or in deserted 

 woodpeckers' excavations. The nest is formed of a few dry grasses, 

 covered over with a thick mass of feathers. The eggs are pure 

 white, large for the size of the bird, measuring .80 by ,50. 



157. COTILE RIPARIA. 



BANK SWALLOW. 



The Bank Swallow or Sand-Martin is a common species through- 

 out the whole of North America. The holes in which this bird 

 nests are usually dug quite near the level of the ground in the 

 perpendicular face of a bank. They are excavated by the birds, 

 and extend to the depth of from two to four feet. The termination 

 of the excavation is usually somewhat enlarged and the bottom 



