307 
Distinctions. The uniform suffusion of light ashy-brown on throat and breast will 
usually distinguish this bird from any other Swallow likely to be compared with it. The 
surest test, however, is the roughness on the edge of the web of the outer primaries, com- 
posed of fine recurved hooks at the ends of the outer webs, barely 
visible to the naked eye, but in adults plainly perceptible to the touch 
as the finger is drawn along the edge towards the tip (Figure 275). 
Young birds do not always show this well, and various stages of the 
serration appear according to age and sex. 
, Field Marks. Likely to be confused only with the Bank 
b ouTer^dce°of outer Swallow. The best recognition mark against that species is the even 
primary f Rough- suffusion of light greyish-brown over throat and breast instead of a 
winged Swallow; white breast and throat with a more or less defined dark breast- 
magnified. band. In watching a flock of mixed Rough-winged and Bank 
Swallows, the former can usually be picked out by its slightly 
redder or rustier back, which seems sometimes more conspicuous in life than 
in the hand. 
Nesting. Similar to the Bank Swallow, in holes in sand-banks. Sometimes in saw- 
dust piles of sawmills and occasionally in crevices in rock piles, cliffs, and masonry. More 
solitary than the Bank Swallow and does not nest in dense colonies. 
Distribution. North America. In Canada, most of the southern parts across the 
Dominion. In the west, common in the wooded parts of southern Manitoba and southern 
British Columbia. Not detected so far in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. 
The Rough-wings belong to a genus widely scattered over the world, 
characterized by the peculiar modification of the wing, the use or purpose 
of which is not at present known. 
FAMILY — BOMB Y CILLIDAE. WAXW1NGS 
The Waxwings are striking birds distributed over the northern parts 
of both the New and Old Worlds. They are represented in America by two 
species, so nearly alike and so well characterized in form and colour 
that description here is unnecessary. There is remarkably little seasonal 
or sex variation and Plate LXV B and Figure 55, page 32, designate 
them plainly. The shafts of the secondaries and sometimes those of the 
tail are enlarged at the tips into brilliantly coloured appendages having a 
close resemblance to bits of sealing-wax. 
618. Bohemian Waxwing, wandering chatterer. Bombycilla garrula. L, 8. 
Almost exactly similar in form and colour to the Cedar Waxwing {See Plate LXV B), 
but larger, the secondaries are tipped with white and most of the primaries with white or 
yellow or both: there is likewise a small white wing-bar. The undertail-coverts are 
chestnut and the abdomen greyish without the yellow suffusion. 
Distinctions. No further distinctions are necessary; the Cedar Waxwing is the only 
species with which it can be confused. 
Field Marks. Their trim figures and conspicuous crests easily identify the Waxwings. 
The white or yellow on the wings and the chestnut undertail-coverts are the best specific 
field marks. 
Nesting. In trees, in nest of twigs, roots, moss, etc. 
Distribution. The northern parts of the northern hemisphere in both New and Old 
Worlds. In Canada, breeding in Mackenzie district, northern British Columbia, and 
down the eastern slopes of the Rockies, irregularly to southern Alberta. Migrating in 
winter irregularly south and east over most of the Dominion. 
Their irregular wandering habits in winter have given these birds the 
name “Bohemian” which in this sense is synonymous with “wandering.” 
They are northwestern birds, but come into cultivated sections irregularly 
91064—201 
Figure 275 
