200 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



and the conspicuous rusty-colored rump. During migrations this spe- 

 cies is found in greatest numbers in the vicinity of rivers, ponds and 

 lakes. 



GENUS OHELIDON. FORSTEB. 



613. Chelidon erythrogaster (BODD.). 



Barn Swallow* 



DESCRIPTION. 



Length about G^ inches ; extent about 12g inches ; bill and nails black ; eyes very 

 dark brown ; legs and feet light brown ; above glossy steel-blue, with concealed 

 white on middle of back ; wings and tail feathers viewed from above blackish, glossed 

 with greenish and violet hues ; tail very deeply forked inner webs of all tall feath- 

 ers, except two middle ones, have showy white spots ; outer tail feathers much larger 

 and narrower towards the ends than others : imperfect steel-bluo color on upper part 

 of breast; forehead, chin, throat and a space on under tail coverts, deep chestnut; 

 rest of lower parts lighter reddish-brown. 



Young. Duller and paler than the adults ; and the lateral pair of tail feathers are 

 also much shorter. 



Hab. North America in general, from the lur countries southward to the West 

 Indies, Central America and South America. 



The Barn Swallow is so named because it usually nest in barns. 

 This bird, like the preceding species arrives here late in April and de- 

 parts about September 1. This Swallow, either when at rest or on 

 the wing, may be recognized by its deeply-forked tail, which if viewed 

 from below shows a broad white band, most conspicuous when the 

 bird is flying. 



GENUS TACHYCINETA. CABAINS. 



614. Tachycineta bicolor (YIEILL.). 



Tree Swallow; White-bellied Swallow. 



DESCRIPTION. (Plate .?<sv) 



Length about 6 inches ; extent about 13 inches ; tail slightly forked ; bill black ; 

 legs and iris brown ; lores black ; above glossy metallic-green ; wings and tail black- 

 ish, with faint greenish gloss ; lower parts entirely white. 



Young colors are duller and toes sometimes yellowish. 



Hab. North America at large, from the fur countries southward, in winter, to the 

 West Indies and Central America. 



The Tree Swallow, when flying or at rest, can easily be distinguished 

 from all other of our Swallows, by its dark-colored back and pure 

 white under parts. This species arrives here late in March or early 

 in April, and leaves in September. Common and very generally dis- 

 tributed during' migrations; as a summer resident is restricted chiefly 

 to localities about rivers. 



