613. Hirundo erythrogastra. 7½ inches.
Their range is throughout North America, breeding generally from Alaska to southern California, and over the eastern part of the United States. They nest in barns, sheds or in any buildings where they are not likely to be disturbed, building their nests of mud on the rafters or beams near the roof, and lining it with feathers. They are a familiar bird in all parts of the country, and one of the most graceful while on the wing, skimming over the ponds and meadows in search of the insect life which constitutes their food. Their eggs are similar to the Cliff Swallow, creamy white, spotted with shades of brown and chestnut (.80 × .55).
TREE SWALLOW.
614. Iridoprocne bicolor. 6 inches.
Perhaps this is more commonly known as the White-bellied Swallow, and it is found in the whole of temperate North America, breeding from the middle United States northward. They nest in holes of trees and stumps naturally, but accept the bird houses that are put up for them in suitable locations near ponds or wet marshes. Their eggs are the same as above, both in number and markings.
NORTHERN VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.
615. Tachycineta thalassina lepida. 5¼ inches.
In the Rocky Mountain regions of the United States and west to the Pacific, breeding throughout its range. A most beautiful species with its blue, green and purple back and white under parts. They are abundant in favorable localities in California, building their nests in holes of trees, at times well up in the mountains, in the tops of some of the largest redwoods and pines, using woodpecker holes, and at times placing their nest in a crevice of the cliffs. Their nests are made of grass and fine roots, and nicely lined with feathers. Their four to six eggs are pure white (.72 × .50).