About the House. 



37 



build closed nests, the walls composed of mud pellets packed together, and a 

 small entrance being left, sometimes at the top, but often on the side of the 

 wall low down. These nests vary greatly in shape, and are placed in the 

 angle formed by the eaves of barn or other building. The lining is sparse, 

 consists of some grass and feathers, and is distinct and separate from the 

 wall of the nest. The eggs vary from three to five in number, are very simi- 

 lar in color to those of the Barn Swallow, but are generally larger. The 

 birds range throughout North America, except Florida, to the tree limit. 

 They breed south to the Potomac and Ohio valleys in the area treated of. 



The Cuban Cliff Swallow, similar in general appearance to the last, 



but smaller, is a native of the West Indies, where it is an abundant bird. 



The author took two representatives at Garden Key, 



Cuban Cliff Swallow. D ry Tortucras, Florida, in March, 1890, which are its 



Petrochelidon fulva (Vieill.). , . 



North American records. It must be regarded as an 

 irregular or accidental visitor. 



This is the largest and heaviest of our Swallows. A bird eight inches long, 



the adult male has a uniform of lustrous bluish black, the wings and tail being 



duller than the body plumage. The female is not as 



Purple Martin, brightly colored above as the male, and the under parts 



Progne subis (Linn.). . , -11 i r ^1 i_ >_ i 



and sides are grayish brown, the leathers being tipped 



PURPLE MARTIN. 



