200 



BiKDS OF XOKTH CaKOLINA 



Tlic ChiiuiK'y Swifts iirrivc from tlic South about the first week in Ajiril, hut 

 these first comers apparently pass on, the breeding birds not coining in until two 

 weeks later. 



In all parts of the State it is (juitc abundant in summer, nesting ordinarily in 

 chimneys, though in some of the wilder districts it no doubt still uses hollow trees 

 for that purpose. Pearson has on two occasions seen Chimney Swifts enter hollow 

 cypress trees on the shores of (Ireat Lake in Craven County. Its nesting habits 

 form a curious and well-marked instance of how a bird's manner of nesting may 

 become altered l)y the advent of man. Perhaps the Swifts, if they were capable of 

 philosoiihizing on the suliject, would rejoice at the benefit man has conferred upon 

 Ihem by furnishing such safe and convenient places as chimneys for nesting sites. 

 The Ijird's legs are very weak; it does not, therefore, perch like other birds, but 

 clings with its toes and braces itself with its stiff tail-feathers. 



Fia. l.''>0. Chimney Swift. 



Fia. 157. Foot and T.ml of Chimney Swift. 



The nest is composed of small twigs glued together by the bird's glutinous saliva, 

 and is placed against the vertical inner wall of a chimney, so as to form a half- 

 saucer-shapetl structure. Four to six pure white eggs are laid. Size .80 x .50. 

 These are known to be deposited in this State from late May to mid-.Iuly. 



This species seems to leave North Carolina for its winter home about the first 

 week in October, our latest dates ranging from October 1 at Raleigh, to October 11 

 at Weaverville, 



The Chimney Swift subsists entirely on insects, which it catches on the wing, 

 and the number it destroys must be so enormous as to. render it an exceedingly 

 useful species. 



40. FAMILY TROCHlLID>E. HUMMINGBIRDS 



About live hundreil sjiecies of Hummingbirds are known. These are confined 

 chiefly to South America. Seventeen forms reach the United States, but only one 

 is found east of the Mississipjii Kivcr. They possess long, slender bills, and their 

 >vings are much pointed. 



Genus Archilochus (Reichenb.) 



186. Archilochus colubris ([.inn.). Ruhy-tiiho.\ted Hummingbird. 



Dcscriiilion: Ad. cT. — rppcrparts l)riglit, sliinins erpcn; wings und tail fuscous, with purplish 

 reflections; throat beautiful niPtailic rul)y-recl, bordered on tlie breast by whitish; re.st of the 



