BIRDS OF PORTO RICO. 85 



season. It is very probable, as our knowledge of the food of tropical and sub- 

 tropical forms of this large family increases, that numbers will be found to 

 be almost wholly vegetarian in their diet. Certainly this seems to be the case 

 with the species under discussion. Three stomachs were filled entirely with 

 seeds and drupes and in all but one these formed much the larger share. The 

 seeds of the family of euphorbias were sought for, and a nightshade (Solanum 

 sp.) occurred three times. Several species found were indeterminate, but 

 apparently all were eaten for the soft outer covering, the seeds being regur- 

 gitated. 



The vegetable food of this species is not of importance, and what animal mat- 

 ter is taken is nearly all injurious to agriculture, so that wherever it occurs the 

 elainea may be considered a beneficial species. 



[TREE SWALLOW. Iridoprocne licolor (Vieillot). 



GOLONDRINA. 



Gundlach (1878, p. 199) says that he did not observe the tree swallow in Porto Rico 

 but records it from a picture seen in the album of Bello. Stahl (1883, p. 61), probably 

 following Gundlach, remarks only that it is a rare migrant, so that, without definite 

 specimens on record, it can be included only as a hypothetical species.] 



BARN SWALLOW. Hirando erythrogastra Boddaert. 



GOLONDRINA. 



Of the barn swallow Gundlach (1878, p. 197) says that it arrives from the 

 north in September and passes on southward. A single bird was seen during 

 the present work on February 16 near Punta Picua, north of Mameyes. It 

 would seem to be an irregular visitant during spring and fall migrations. It 

 is a member of a family whose species are entirely beneficial in their habits. 

 During its brief stay on the island, it will probably be found only in the 

 lowlands. 



[BANK SWALLOW. Riparia riparia riparia Linnaeus. 



GOLONDRINA RlBERIBGA. 



The bank swallow also is recorded by Gundlach (1878, p. 199) on the basis of a picture 

 seen in the album of Bello, and later records are apparently based upon his statement. 

 It may occur as a rare migrant from the United States, but must at present be included 

 only as a hypothetical species.] 



JAMAICAN CLIFF SWALLOW. Petrochelidon fulva pceciloma (Gosse). 



GOLONDRINA, GOLONDRINA DE CUBVAS. 



The Jamaican cliff swallow is a common resident species in Porto Rico, being 

 most abundant on the western end of the island. A small number were observed 

 at Humacao, but on the east coast few were noted, and none were seen on the 

 south coast east of Salinas. For the most part confined to the coast region, they 

 were found inland only in the northwestern portion extending from Lares 

 through Utuado to Ciales. This small species occurs ordinarily in small parties, 

 feeding above pastures, lowland meadows, or along the beaches. On the wing 

 it is light and graceful and when feeding the flight is very uncertain, the bird 

 frequently changing its direction. In August little bands of 25 or 30 fed over 

 the lowlands and perched close together in twittering flocks on telephone wires. 

 During heavy rainstorms they seemed to have a hard time keeping up against 

 the downpour, as they continually struggled to rise and were as steadily beaten 

 down. Such storms would, without doubt, prove fatal to birds not long out of 

 the nest, with the flight feathers still soft and undeveloped. 



This species breeds in colonies in May and June, and nests on overhanging 

 faces of cliffs or in caves, a practice so universally recognized that " La cueva de 

 las golondrinas " is a common appellation given to caverns in Porto Rico. In 

 these a mud rim, made of pellets carried in the bird's mouth, is thrown up on the 



