Birds of Oregon and Washmgton lOi 



home for his young. Mr. Ross Nicholas, of 

 Portland, Oregon, reports an example of the 

 tireless labor that these birds will put forth in 

 the construction of a nest. A pair having dis- 

 covered a way into the eaves of a house, found a 

 space of three feet below the opening, and, with 

 a courage and patience that ought to be the envy 

 of man, proceeded to build up the nest, straw by 

 straw, until it stood level with the entrance. 



I have said that Swallows do not sing, but 

 this bird's note is more than a twitter — more 

 like a soft song. 



The Violet-green Swallow should never be 

 confused with the Eave Swallow and driven 

 away, lest mud nests be built against the sides 

 of the house. A distinguishing mark between 

 the two birds is the seemingly white rump, 

 when the "Violet-green" is on the wing. This 

 appearance is caused by the white from under- 

 neath extending so far around the sides of the 

 rump ; the latter is, in reality, a mingled color — 

 bluish-green with rich plum-purple. 



Particular Description. — Effect of all above, a 

 soft rich green, but head and neck and sometimes back, 

 shaded with purple to a violet-green tint in center of 



