286 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
NoTeE.—The English sparrow (Fig. 271), an importation, is a 
grain-eater when grown, but as it breeds six and even seven times 
a year, and the young are invariably fed upon insects, it is of 
value. Public opinion is against the pugnacious immigrant, but 
some naturalists who have made the subject a special study think 
that the bird is a benefit to the country on the above grounds. In 
the Central Park Zodlogical Garden they have taken possession of 
the rafters of the eagle-house, while year after year a pair rear their 
young on the back of the iron eagle over the door of the Arsenal. 
(See “ Report of American Ornithological Union,” 1884.) 
The Tanagers ( Zanagride) include three hundred or 
more species, confined to the warmer portions of America. 
Their colors are brilliant, legs short, claws long, the bill 
conical, and sometimes serrated or notched. 
The scarlet tanager (Pyranga ruédra) is.a familiar form 
in the New England States. The general color of the 
male is scarlet, the wings and tail black. Their note is 
Chip-churr, repeated at short intervals, and at other times 
exactly like that of a robin. They are more or less ven- 
triloquists—a protective provision—their note sounding 
far away when the bird is near at hand. The nests are 
rudely made, the eggs marked with purple spots. 
The Swallows ( Hirundinide) have a world-wide distri- 
bution. The bill is broad, short, and triangular, the gape 
wide, adapted for capturing insects oh the wing, the wings 
long and pointed, tail forked, and feet extremely weak. 
The bank swallows (Fig. 315) are remarkable for their 
digging powers, excavating holes in the face of banks, and 
there forming the nest. The tunnels are often six feet 
deep. 
The barn swallow forms its nest of mud, brought in its 
mouth and plastered against the wall, often assuming the 
shape of that of some of the weavers. An entire nest is 
frequently built in three days. 
The Chatterers (Ampelide) have a short, broad, de- 
pressed bill, opening to the eyes, the mandibles notched 
with a tooth behind the notch, the head generally crested. 
