THE BIRD STUDY BOOK 



mud nest under the eaves and hence is widely known 

 as the Eaves Swallow. No rest of any kind in the 

 form of a projecting beam is needed, as the bird skil- 

 fully fastens the mud to the vertical side of the barn 

 close up under the overhanging roof. In such a 

 situation it is usually safe from all beating rains. 

 The Cliff Swallow has exhibited wisdom to no mean 

 extent in exchanging the more or less exposed rocky 

 ledge for the safety of sheltering eaves. Swallows 

 show a decided tendency to gather in colonies in the 

 breeding season. Under the eaves of a warehouse on 

 the cost of Maine I once counted exactly one hundred 

 nests of these birds, all of which appeared to be in- 

 habited. Examination of another building less than 

 seventy feet away added thirty-seven occupied nests 

 to the list. 



The nesting site of the Purple Martin has likewise 

 been changed in a most radical fashion. Originally 

 these birds built their nests of leaves, feathers, and 

 grass, in hollow trees. Here no doubt they were 

 often disturbed by weasels, squirrels, snakes, and 

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