38 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



white. The Swallow may also be distinguished 

 by its long, narrow, forked tail. The Swallow 

 builds its nest in barns, stables, and outhouses, 

 placing the structure against a couple near 

 the roof, whereas the Martins build below 

 the eaves of houses, where the Swift will also 

 accommodate himself if he can find a hole to 

 hold his eggs, for he is no nest-builder. He is 

 a bird of the air, being on the wing all day, 

 and only resting in the late gloaming for a 

 short repose. All the family feed and drink on 

 the wing. The Swift has very short legs, and 

 if he comes to level ground, he cannot rise, 

 owing to the length of his wings, but flutters 

 along like a duck out of breath, and is easily 

 caught. The claws, four in number, all point 

 forward, and are made to hold a good grip. 



Swallows feed on flies and beetles, and are 

 credited with taking hive bees, but only drones, 

 not the workers. The Sand-Martin builds in 

 holes, made with its beak in the face of sandy 

 or chalky precipitous cliffs. The hole is two 



