OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 189 



last mentioned, may be considered the least abun- 

 dant of all of our swallows in Eastern Pennsylva- 

 nia. It reaches this latitude early in May a little 

 in advance of the Martin, and like the latter, is 

 known to avail itself of a box for a nest; and from 

 its earlier arrival, frequently lays claims to boxes 

 which the martins by virtue of priority of possession 

 are legally entitled, so to speak. A disturbance 

 ensues, and the latter by reason of inferior strength 

 are forced to seek quarters .elsewhere. Where 

 they have been induced to accept the conveniencesr 

 of man, they soon enter on the most familiar terms 

 1 with him, and for the many little kindnesses and 

 attentions which he bestows; reward him most 

 gratefully by their eminent services in the destruc- 

 tion of noxious insects. 



Its movements are exceediugly active, but less 

 so than the barn-swallow's. Like the latter it seizes 

 much of its food on the wing; but its foraging is 

 more arboreal and terrestrial. It subsists upon 

 the following insects: Culex tceniorhynchus,AsilMs 

 sericeuSy Scatophaga furcata, Tabanus lineola, Syr- 

 phus obliquus, S. obscurus, Anthrax elongata, 

 among diptera; Harpalus compar, Cymindis viri- 

 dipennis, Chrysomela cceruleipennis among coleop- 

 tera; and A crony eta oblinita, Spilosoma Virginica, 

 Orgya leucostigma, Pieris rapcz, Colias philodice, 

 ^enthina pomonella&ftd. many of the Leuccenidce 

 "ortricidce, and Noctuidce. 



In Eastern Massachusetts this species breeds 

 exclusively in martin boxes; and in the western 



