SOME OHIO BIRDS 
43 
chiefly wild fruits, are substituted. It is one of the most useful 
birds of the farm and frequently nests about sheds, sprmghouses, 
or porches, where it should be encouraged and protected. 
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, Archilochus colubris (1, inn.) 
This well known bird is the only representative seen in the 
United States of this large and distinctively American family, the 
majority of the species being confined to the tropics. This most 
diminutive of our birds is always associated with the flower garden. 
To most persons, it is but a flash of color as it moves on rapidly 
vibrating wings from flower to flower. It is most frequently seen 
on the wing, but it often perches on a twig or arbor wire, to preen 
its plumage and to rest. The tiny, exquisitely fashioned, lichen- 
covered nest is usually saddled on some low, drooping branch of a 
fruit or forest tree, and is a gem of bird architecture. The two very 
fragile white eggs are no larger than fair sized peas. 
Besides the nectar of flowers, the food consists of the many small 
insects and spiders which are attracted to the blossoms. The young 
are fed by regurgitation. 
CHIMNEY SWIFT, Chcetura felagica (Linn.) 
This species is abundant over the entire state and is familiar to 
most persons. It is often, but erroneously, called Chimney Swallow. 
The curious, basket-like nest is constructed of twigs, and is usually 
fastened to the perpendicular inner wall of some chimney by a sticky 
secretion furnished by the bird. More rarely, the nest is fastened to 
rough boards close to the roof of a barn, or it is made in a hollow 
tree. Formerly, the species nested altogether in hollow trees. From 
two to six white eggs are deposited on the bare twigs of which the 
nest is constructed, no lining being used. Only one brood is reared 
in a season, the young occupying the nest for from three to four 
weeks. From earliest dawn until dusk has faded into darkness, this 
valuable bird keeps up its tireless pursuit of the insect foes of man 
and beast. It is the most aerial of our birds, not touching the ground, 
even when collecting nesting material, but snapping the dead twigs 
from trees while on the wing. 
NIGHTHAWK, Chordeiles virginianus virginianus (Gmel.) 
The Nighthawk or Night Jar is a common summer bird through¬ 
out the state. It is a bird of the open country, and feeds while on the 
wing. It seldom feeds below the level of the tree tops, but usually 
much higher. The two elliptical eggs are deposited on the bare 
ground, in an open field, with no attempt at nest-building, other than 
taking advantage of any slight depression which offers. Not infre¬ 
quently, eggs are deposited on the graveled roofs of tall city buildings. 
