BIRD ACTORS AND THEATRES 235 



His art is carried on chiefly during the mating sea- 

 son, and his audiences are always composed of 

 admiring female turkeys. As an artist Jhe is high- 

 salaried, and his reward is usually a mate. 



Not a few of the smaller birds, such as swallows, 

 bee-martins, and swifts, play "tag" or "last touch" 

 at a regular time each day. They have their time 

 for play and recreation just as children or healthy 

 grown-ups do. During the play hour every bird 

 from far and near seems to join in the frolic; they 

 chase one another like romping children, and finally 

 settle down on a telephone-wire or a tree for a soci- 

 able chat, after which each pair returns to its own 

 resting-place or home. Play-time is usually late 

 in the afternoon just before sunset. 



Groups of swallows often assemble in long rows 

 on the eaves of a building, and at a moment's no- 

 tice arise and begin chasing one another around in 

 the air with the glee of circus performers. And 

 then as quickly as they begin their fun they all stop 

 their play and chattering and either fly away or 

 settle back on the eaves with the solemnity of barn- 

 yard fowl. 



Side-shows or curtain lectures are common oc- 

 currences among the kites. Their entire family 

 life is unusually interesting. When the male bird 

 returns home after having stayed away for any 



