THE BANK SWALLOW. 279 
looking hole about eight feet up prompted instant attack. A hand was about 
to enter the coveted approach, when crack! went the stump, and down went 
the small boy with the stub on top of him. But the mud was as soft as a 
feather-bed and my first thought was for the eggs. There they were, four 
delicate pink beauties, spilled out upon the black mud, but unbroken. The 
nest cavity was filled within three or four inches of the entrance with chicken 
feathers, and the sides were lined with them to the very edge of the hole. 
Taking the least possible toll, one egg, I carefully replaced the others, then 
dragged the stub several rods to an old fence, where I bound it fast with 
wire to an upright post. The parent birds accepted the proffered amends; 
the set was completed, and a handsome brood raised. 
In many localities Tree Swallows are prompt tenants of bird houses. 
This does not seem to be largely their habit in Ohio; doubtless because suit- 
able nesting sites in trees are still abundant. A pair once built their nest in 
a sort of tower attic, just inside of a hole which a Flicker had pierced in the 
ceiling of an open belfry of a country church. When in service the mouth 
of the swinging bell came within two feet of the brooding bird. One would 
think that the Swallows would have been crazed with fright to find them- 
selves in the midst of such a tumult of sound; but their enterprise fared suc- 
cussfully, as I can testify, for at the proper time I saw the youngsters ranged 
in a happy, twittering row along the upper rim of the bell-wheel. 
No. 123. 
BANK SWALLOW. 
Ly 
VA. O. U. No. 616. Riparia riparia (Linn.). 
Synonym.—Sanp Marvin. 
Description.—Adult: Upper parts plain, brownish gray; wings fuscous; 
throat and belly white; a brownish gray band across the breast; a tiny tuft of 
feathers above the hind toe. There is some variation in the extent of the pectoral 
band; it is sometimes produced indistinctly backward, and sometimes even in- 
terrupted. Length 5.00-5.25 (127.-133.3); wing 3.95 (100.3); tail 1.97 (50.); 
bill from nostril .20 (5.1). 
Recognition Marks.—Smallest of the Swallows; throat white: brownish 
gray pectoral band on white ground. 
Nest, at end of tunnels in banks, two or three feet in; a frail mat of straws 
and grasses and occasionally feathers. Breeds usually in colonies. Eggs, 4-6, 
sometimes 7, pure white. Av. size, .70 x .49 (17.8 x 12.5). 
