LIST AND DESCRIPTION 121 



614. Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor.) 



"An abundant migrant and rare breeder" (Visher, for Clay 

 County). 



Upper parts glossy green; wings and tail darker; belly 

 white. 



The Tree Swallows nest in abandoned Woodpecker holes 

 ^nd can be encouraged to rear their young in bird houses. 



615. Northern Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina 



lepida.) 



A western species occasionally seen in the western part of 

 South Dakota during the summer. One of the smallest of our 

 Swallows. Above, glossy green; around eyes and under parts 

 white. 



616. Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia.) 



This is our smallest and lightest colored Swallow, being 

 grayish brown. 



It is easily recognized by the wide, grayish brown band 

 across the breast. Like the Cliff Swallows, they nest in colo- 

 nies, tunneling their holes into banks and making a grass nest at 

 the enlarged end. 



61.7. Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis.) 



Very like the Bank Swallow and with similar nesting 

 habits, but without a band across the breast. 



FAMILY BOMBYCILLID^. WAXWINGS 



Waxwings are represented in North America by only two 

 species and South Dakota entertains one as a summer and the 

 other as a winter resident. They are usually seen in small flocks 

 feeding on cedar or other wild berries. 



618. Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrula.) , 



An irregular winter resident, always in compact flocks of 

 a dozen or so. Brownish gray, with plumage of smooth, velvety 

 effect. Distinguishing marks are the crest, the black throat, the 

 wax-wing tips, and yellow on the end of the tail. They keep 

 well up in the trees and seldom utter a note. 



