SWALLOW . — Hirundo Rustica. 
The common Swallow is very familiar as an English bird, and is more 
attached to man and his habitations than almost any other species. 
The nest of the Swallow is always placed in some locality where it is effectually 
sheltered from wind and rain. Generally it is constructed under the eaves of 
houses, but as it is frequently built within disused chimneys, it has given to the 
species the popular title of Chimney Swallow. The bird is probably attracted 
to the chimney by the warmth of some neighbour fire. 
The nest is composed externally of mud or clay, which is brought by the bird 
in small lumps, and stuck in irregular rows so as to build up the sides of its 
little edifice. There is an attempt at smoothing the surface of the nest, but 
each lump of clay is easily distinguishable upon the spot where it has been 
stuck. While engaged at the commencement of its labours, the Swallow clings 
perpendicularly to the wall of the house or chimney, holding with its sharp 
little claws to any small projection, and supporting itself by the pressure of its tail 
against the wall. The interior of the nest is lined with grasses and other soft 
substances, and after it has been inhabited by a young brood, becomes very 
offensive to the nostrils and unpleasant to the touch, in consequence of the 
large ticks which are peculiar to the birds of this tribe, and which swarm in 
the nest. 
There are sometimes two broods in the year, and when the second brood has 
been hatched at a very late period of the year, the young are frequently deserted 
and left to starve by their parents, who are unable to resist the innate impulse 
that urges them to seek a warmer climate. It has occasionally happened that 
the parents have remained for some time in order to bring up their young brood. 
