346 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



spots. These birds defend their nest, when attacked, with great 

 spirit and resolution. They are not common as yet in the 

 eastern part of the State, but in the west they begin to abound. 



The White-bellied Swallow, Hirundo hicolor, is not so 

 common in the western part of this State as either of the two 

 preceding. It differs from them in never using mud in the 

 construction of its nest, which is made of dry grass and Uned 

 with feathers. The eggs are four or five in number, of a pure 

 white. Other swallows are harmonious and friendly to each 

 other ; but these are angry and quarrelsome. In taking their 

 food, they make a snapping noise with the bill. This bird re- 

 turns in spring earlier than any of its tribe, except the sand 

 martin ; and though not particularly friendly to its own kindred, 

 it is on good terms with man, and well disjDOsed to accept the 

 lodgings which he provides. 



The Bank Swallow, Hirundo riparia, is found wherever 

 there is a sandy bank on the side of a pit or river. There it 

 bores a hole with its bill, below the upper edge of the bank ; 

 having opened it so far as to insert its body, it scrapes the sand 

 with the feet, inclining the excavation upward, in order that 

 the waste earth may fall out readily below. The depth varies, 

 in different situations, from two feet to five ; the end is enlarged 

 in the form of an oven, to receive the nest. These birds are 

 so gentle, industrious, and friendly to each other, that it is quite 

 interesting to see them engaged in their labor. They often, 

 unfortunately, are compelled to work in vain. Idle boys de- 

 stroy their tenement, or some improvement destroys the bank ; 

 but they are so hopeful and persevering, that they will continue 

 boring the earth, even when the shovel, day after day, destroys 

 the results of their exertion. 



The nest is formed with bits of dry grass and feathers. The 

 eggs of the first brood are from five to seven, of a pure white. 

 The young, as soon as they are able, crawl to the entrance, 

 where they become a prey to crows and hawks, which lie in 

 wait to catch them, both at that time, and after they have left 



