SWALLOWS, 157 
The aérial 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 our 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- 
eulably 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 
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 nests seem to be merely apartments in 
