42 



CEDAR WAXWING. 



(Ampelis Garrulus.) 

 In song and apparel this bird is very modest, being 

 dressed in a brown coat, and possessed of no note ex- 

 cept a low lisping sound which it utters. Although 

 its plumage is so very plain, the texture of it is remark- 

 ably fine, being almost as soft as satin. The head has 

 a crest or top-not. Its chief home is in and around the 

 cedars, w^here it finds its food and makes its nest. It 

 is sometimes called cherry-bird. Eggs, four or five, 

 light blue, thickly spotted with black and brown, 



PURPLE MARTIN. 



(Progne Sub Is.) 

 This is a member of the swallow^ family, and is the 

 largest of the race. Plumage glistening purple above, 

 and white below, with flat bill and forked tail. It is a 

 common spring visitor, and will build in boxes put up 

 for them near our houses and barns. It has no strik- 

 ing note. Eggs, three or four, of a uniform green 

 color. In shape and size they resemble those of the 

 snail. The Sand Martin (Cotile Riparia) is also com- 

 mon, particularly in places where there are high banks 

 and deep cuts in roads, railroads, etc. Plumage dusky 

 brown, with a little white underneath; feet short and 

 formed in such a manner that they can stick to steep 

 places. They make their nests in holes in high banks, 

 which they excavate with their short thick bill, and 

 scratch the dirt out with their feet. Eggs, four in 

 number, are laid on the bare ground, pure white, a lit- 

 tle tapering. This bird comes in early spring and 

 remains late. 



