ii6 ■ AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



BARN SWALLOW, 



A. O. t'. No. 613. (Clielidon erythrogaster), 



RANGE. 



A common bird throughout North America, migrating in winter to 



the West Indies, Central and South America. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Length, 6 to 7 in.; extent about 13 in; tail from 3 to 5 in. Upper 

 parts deep, glossy blue or purplish black, this color extending partly 

 around the neck in front, but not forming a perfect collar. Forehead 

 and throat, deep chestnut, rest of underparts paler. Tail very deeply 

 forked and with white spots on the inner webs near the tips. The fe- 

 male has the tail a little less forked and the colors of the underparts 

 are paler. Young with a still shorter tail, and duller underparts, and 

 hardly any luster on the back- 



NEST AND EGGS. 



Barn vSwallows generally build their nests within barns, attaching 

 them by the sides to rafters. They are generally built so close to the 

 roof that there is barely space for the bird to enter the nest from the 

 top. When there is a scarcity of barns, these swallows build their 

 nests under the eaves. The nests are made of mud and straws, and 

 lined with feathers from the barnyard fowls. The mud is put on in 

 pellets and is not smoothed down, so the exterior of the nest presents 

 a very hummocky appearance. Sometimes the same nest wnll be used 

 a second year, but more often a new one will be built, leaving some- 

 times as many as half a dozen old nests attached to the rafters as rel- 

 ics of former years occupancy. They lay from four to six creamy 

 white eggs, which are plentifully sprinkled over the whole surface,, 

 but more thickly around the larger end with reddish brown and lilac. 



HABITS. 



Probably these are the most familiar swallows to all our readers^ 

 because of the freedom with which they use man's premises as their 

 homes. A number of pairs frequently nest in one barn, where they 

 dwell at peace with each other, and without consulting the owner of 

 the place, for permission. As they are very desirable tenants, nearly 

 all farmers are glad to have them take up their quarters in their build- 

 ings. Sometimes their only manner of' entrance, is by the door which 

 is either left open all tlie time or e'se opened early every morning. 



