( 86) 



well know its fondness for bathing, and the rapid manner in which 

 this operation is performed. Descending with the swiftness of an 

 arrow, it dips into the water, turns, twists, and darts off in a zig-zag 

 line, so that a casual observer might lose sight of it entirely, from 

 the rapidity with which it changes its course, or suppose it to be a 

 different specimen. 



Early in the spring swallows are sometimes so benumbed 

 as to be almost in a lifeless state. This is readily account- 

 ed for by the cold storms that set in after their arrival, which also 

 cut off their insect food — at such times they have been found 

 so much exhausted as to be unable to rise, and in some instances 

 have been observed lying dead about the fields. 



HIRUNDO BICQLOR— VIEILL. 



WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. 



Green-blue or White-bellied Swallow, Hirundo viridis, Wils. Amer. Orn. 



HirunJo bicolor, Bonap. Syn. 



Whiie-bellied Swallow, Hirundo bicolor, Nutt. Man. 



While-bellied Swallow, Hiruudo bicolor, Aud. Orn. Biqg. 



Specific Character — Upper parts glossy green; lower parts white. 

 Adult, wings and tail brown ; wings, when shut, extend about two 

 inches beyond the tail, which is forked ; bill black ; feet purplish 

 flesh color. Female with the plumage duller. Length five inches 

 and a half, wing four and three quarters, 



Mr. Audubon traced this species on the Atlantic coast from Tex- 

 as to Labrador, and it is stated by Dr. Richardson to frequent the 

 woody districts up to the sixtieth parallel. The White-bellied Swal- 

 low is not quite as abundant as the preceding species, and general- 

 ly defers its visit in the spring a few days later. Arriving in fiocks, 

 the majority soon pass on to other districts to breed, and 

 return to us in August. In the latter part of the month they moult, 

 and at this period is observed sitting in close bodies on fence rails and 

 branches of trees, from which, owing to its feeble condition, it 

 appears unwilling to move, except to supply the demands of appetite. 

 Pn approaching quite near the resting-place, or when fired into, the 



