Nests in Buildings, Bridges, Walls, Etc. 



bankments, the birds nesting in colonies. 4 or 5 eggs are laid ; 

 they are white, with dots and spots of reddish brown. Size — 

 .82 X .56. 



These birds somewhat resemble the barn swallows; the 

 light chestnut rump and the shortness of the tail serve to dis- 

 tinguish them. The eggs of these two species are often identical. 



The nesting season begins towards the end of May. 



613. Barn Swallow : Chelidon erythrogaster (Bodd.) 



AiiuU— Upper parts dark steel blue; forehead, throat, and upper 

 part of breast chestnut; under parts light chestnut buff; tail 

 forked. Length — 6.95. 



Breeding Range — Throughout North America. 



The nest is placed on rafters and similar supports, either 

 inside or outside a barn or other building; it is made of pellets 01 

 mud with straws intermixed, and a deep lining of hay and 

 feathers, the feathers usually overhanging the edge of the nest. 

 The eggs, 4 to 6 in number, are white, with spots, dots, and 

 blotches of reddish brown and purplish. Size — .75 x .55. 



These birds are surrounded by superstition, and all sorts of 

 ill-luck is promised to the person who kills one or even destroys 

 its nest. 



Probably, in former days, larmers realised more fully the value 

 of these insect-eating birds, as threats were made in order to 

 protect them from mischievous boys. 



Two broods are reared, the first set of eggs being laid about 

 the beginning of May, the second about five or six weeks later. 



614. White-bellied Swallow; Tree Swallow: Tachyclneta 



bicolor (Vieill.) 



Adult— \}pp&x parts greenish blue steel colour; under parts white. 



Length — 5.90. 

 Breeding Range — "From the fur countries south to New Jersey, 



the Ohio Valley, Kansas, and Colorado" (A.O.U. check-list). 



Nest either in bird boxes, in hollow trees, or in cliffs. 4 to 

 6, or sometimes 7, unmarked white eggs are laid. Size— .75 x. 55. 



In some parts of the country these swallows have not yet 

 abandoned their ancient custom of breeding in hollow trees arvd 



89 



