610 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON THE [June 27, 
In ‘ Journ. f. Orn.’ (1862, p. 164), Dr. Cabanis has separated the 
northern form of this bird (extending from Guiana to Mexico) as 
Hemiprocne albicineta. The differences appear to me too slight to 
be insisted upon: they are the smaller dimensions and narrower 
white neck-band behind of the northern form. I have Guatemalan 
and Jamaican skins fully as large as those from Brazil; and in one 
Brazilian skin the neck-band is narrower behind than im several 
northern examples. 
Natterer’s specimens of this species (sp. no. 95) were obtained 
at Rio Janeiro (December), Ypanema (June, July, September), and 
Sapotioa (February). 
B. Species minores, Americanze, Africanz et Asiaticee (Chetura). 
a. Species Americanz. 
6. CH&TURA PELASGIA. 
Hirundo pelasgia, Linn. 8. N.i. p. 345; Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 48, 
ae pelasgia, Steph. Gen. Zool. Birds, xiii. p. 76; Baird, 
B. N. Am. p. 144; Sclat. Cat. Am. B, p. 282, P. Z. S. 1863, 
i Accathylie pelasgia, Bp. Consp. p. 64; Cass. Ill. B. Cal. i. 
is Seleitacis pelasgia, Streubel, Isis, 1848, p. 362. 
Fuliginosa, gutture pallidiore ; supra eneo tincta, uropygio paulo 
dilutiore: long. tota 4°7, ale 5°0, caude 1'8. 
Hab. Eastern United States of North America. 
Mus. P.L.S. 
Dr. Brewer gives the following account of the nidification of this 
bird :—‘* The nest of the Chimney Swallow is one of the most re- 
markable structures of the kind to be found among the handiworks 
of even this interesting family, nearly all of whom are far from being 
undistinguished for their architectural accomplishments. It is com- 
posed of small twigs of nearly uniform size, which are interwoven 
into a neat semicircular basket. 
“In selecting the twigs with which to construct the nest, the 
Swift seems to prefer to break from the tree such as are best adapted 
to its wants, rather than to gather those already scattered upon the 
ground. This is done, with great skill and adroitness, while on the 
wing. Swooping on the coveted twig, somewhat as a Hawk rushes 
on its prey, it parts it at the desired place, and bears it off to its nest. 
This fact is familiar to all who have attentively observed their habits. 
Each of these twigs is strongly fastened to its fellows by an adhesive 
saliva secreted by the bird; and the whole structure is as strongly 
cemented to the side of the chimney in which it is built, by means 
of the same secretion. When dry this saliva hardens into a glue- 
like substance, apparently firmer even than the twigs themselves. 
In separating a nest from the side of the chimney, I have known 
