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 leas,t 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. 



A. O. U. No. 616. Riparia riparia (Linn.). 



Synonym. SAND MARTIN. 



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 (I27.-I33.3) ; 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). 



