SWALLOWS. 157 



The aerial ability of Swallows accounts for their wide 

 distribution, the eighty known species being represented 

 in all parts of the world. Only six of them inhabit the 

 northeastern States, but they are so active and so easily 

 observed, that they rank among ourv most abundant and 

 best-known birds. 



Swallows are eminently insectivorous. The Tree Swal- 

 low is known to feed on bayberries when its usual fare is 

 wanting, but, with this exception, it is doubtful if any 

 but insect food passes a Swallow's bill from one year's 

 end to another. Recalling now the activity of Swallows, 

 which both necessitates a large supply of food and pro- 

 cures it, and we must realize that these birds are incal- 

 culably beneficial. 



Both the feeding habits and powers of flight of Swal- 

 lows are such as their structure would lead us to expect, 

 but when we examine their nests we are amazed at the 

 architectural skill of builders so poorly provided with 

 tools. The large mud pocket of the Barn Swallow, the 

 clay retort of the Cliff Swallow, and the long burrow 

 which the Bank Swallow excavates, are surely not the 

 kind of homes we should expect these small-billed, weak- 

 footed, dainty creatures to construct. We will note, too, 

 that these feathered architects are quick to perceive and 

 take advantage of the new and favorable conditions for 

 nest-building found about the home of man. 



The Bank, Rough-winged, and Tree Swallows, and 

 the Purple Martin, lay white eggs : the eggs of the Barn 



' v OO 7 OO 



and Cliff Swallows are speckled with cinnamon, olive, and 

 reddish brown. 



It is when nesting that Swallows best show one of 

 their strong characteristics their sociability. Many birds 

 live in flocks during part of the year, but separate in pairs 

 when nesting ; but most Swallows live on terms of such 

 intimacy that their nesta seem to be merely apartments in 



