352 NOTES ON THE 
It does not come quite as early, nor remain quite as long as 
the Black-bellied Swallow, but is far more numerous, and 
domestic. 
Its habits are essentially the same as those of the Barn Swal- 
low in flight as well as in feeding, but it builds a different nest, 
both as to form and some of its elements. Its construction 
consists of pellets of mud plastered onto the perpendicular 
surface of rocks at considerable elevation from the ground, and 
underneath jutting ledges, or beneath the eaves and cornices 
of buildings, beginning upon a broad base which is uniformly 
built out from the building, or cliff, far enough for a comfort- 
able-sized cavity which is closed over except that a neck, curv- 
ing a ttle downward, is extended somewhat, through which is 
formed the entrance. 
Into this inclosed cavity are carried a lining of fine grass, 
and feathers. Five slightly pinkish-white eggs, spotted more 
or less thickly with fine specks of reddish, brown and purplish, 
are layed about the 20th of May—perhaps occasionally a little 
earlier, but quite as likely a little later. Two and three broods 
are reared in the season. 
They are quite uniformly distributed throughout the state in 
localities favoring them with breeding places. It has been said 
that they sometimes burrow into banks to nest after the man- 
ner of the Bank Swallows—(Clivicola riparia (Linn. ). )—but 
I do not credit the observation. The rapidity of their flight 
precludes the urgency of incubation as a reason for their enter- 
ing the burrows of the other species, so that unless strong 
proof is adduced I must reject it. 
They leave the country about the 20th of August. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Crown and back steel-blue, the upper part of the latter with 
concealed pale edges to the feathers; chin, throat, and sides 
of the head, dark chestnut; breast fuscus; belly white; a steel- 
blue spot on the throat; rump, light chestnut; forehead brown- 
ish-white; a pale nuchal band; tail slightly emarginate. 
Length, 5; wing, 4.40; tail, 2.20. 
Habitat, North America at large. 
CHELIDON ERYTHROGASTER (Boppakevt.) (613.) 
BARN SWALLOW. 
This is undoubtedly the most abundant species of the whole 
family of the swallows throughout the State, arriving in small 
parties about the 25th of April, and building its nests about 
