170 HIRUNDINXD.E. 



the red-brown on the forehead does not extend so far, the 

 black about the front of the neck is not so broad, and the 

 rufous on the under parts much lighter. 



On the return of the Swallows to us, in the spring of the 

 year, the feathering is quite perfect, in consequence of their 

 having moulted in warmer climates during the months of 

 January and February. 



The young birds, which are sparingly covered with a grey 

 down in the nest, soon obtain the feathering of the adult, 

 but they are entirely without the reflected colours, and the 

 feathers lie less close. The upper parts are dull black with 

 bronze-green reflections ; the red-brown on the forehead and 

 throat are much paler and dirty-coloured. The outer tail- 

 feathers are considerably shorter and frequently differ as 

 much as an inch and a half: the corners of the mouth are 

 dull yellow, the iris brown, the legs reddish black, the soles 

 of the feet grey. 



The lower figure in our plate represents the adult bird, 

 the upper figure the young. 



Some remarkable varieties have been found of the Swallow, 

 such as pied black and white ; perfectly white, which are the 

 most rare : yellow or dirty white, which have an indication 

 of red brown on the head and chin ; a silver grey one has 

 been seen, with the same red on the head and throat ; and 

 cream-coloured varieties have also been met with. 



