Part 37

Range. A native of the Old World as well as of the New. In North America nesting from Louisiana and Virginia nearly to the Arctic Circle; winters in the tropics.

Washington, common S.R., more common T.V., Apl. 13-Sept. 19. Ossining, common S.R., Apl. 18-Oct. 1. Cambridge, formerly common S.R., Apl. 28-Sept. 1; common T.V. N. Ohio, common S.R., Apl. 6-Sept. 20. Glen Ellyn, fairly common T.V.; a few S.R., Apl. 22-Sept. 3. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 10-Sept. 25.

The Bank Swallow is a bird of the air who tunnels the earth for a nesting-place. Where river or road has left a bank, its face may be dotted with the entrances to the Bank Swallow's dwellings. At the end of two or three feet the nest of grass and feathers is placed, fit receptacle for the pearl-white eggs, which are usually laid the latter half of May.

During the migrations the Bank Swallow travels with other members of its family, sharing their roost in the marshes by night and their wayside perch by day.

ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Case 6, Fig. 56

With the general appearance of the Bank Swallow, but slightly larger, grayer below, and with no breast-band. L. 5-3/4.

Range. Nests from the Gulf States north to Massachusetts and Minnesota: winters in the tropics.

Washington, common S.R., Apl. 2-Sept. 3. Ossining, common S.R., Apl. 17-Aug. 12. N. Ohio, common S.R., Apl. 15-Sept. 20. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 14-Aug. 26.

Least common of our Swallows. It nests in small colonies of about half a dozen pairs, sometimes in holes, at others under bridges, crevices in cliffs and similar situations. In the fall, it flocks with other species of its family. Its 4-8 white eggs are laid the latter half of May.

WAXWINGS. FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDÆ

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Bombycilla garrula

Similar to the Cedar Waxwing, but larger, the primary coverts and secondaries tipped with white, the primaries tipped with white or yellow, the under tail-coverts chestnut. L. 8.

Range. Western Canada; in winter east to Minnesota and rarely as far as Connecticut.

Glen Ellyn, one record, Jan. 22, 1908. SE. Minn., irregular W.V., until Apl. 1.

There are comparatively few authentic records of this beautiful bird east of the Alleghanies. Enthusiastic bird-students are, I fear, apt to give Waxwings, seen in winter, the benefit of the doubt and call them 'Bohemians.' Look especially for the white marks on the Bohemian's wings. Its large size might not be apparent unless the two species were seen together.

CEDAR WAXWING

Bombycilla cedrorum. Case 2, Fig. 40; Case 4, Fig. 54

Crest usually conspicuous; tail tipped with yellow; a black 'bridle.'

Range. Nests from North Carolina and Kansas to Canada; winters irregularly throughout the United States.

Washington, very common P.R., less so in winter. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, not common P.R., common S.R., abundant T.V. in spring, Feb. 1-Apl. 25. N. Ohio, irregularly common in summer. Glen Ellyn. S.R., Jan. 21-Sept. 24; occasional W.V. SE. Minn., common S.R., Feb. 25-Sept. 28.

A Waxwing's crest is as expressive as a horse's ears. One moment it points skyward the next it flattens and disappears. They are as sociable as "Love Birds," traveling in small flocks which, like one bird, dive into a tree and perch so close together that often several will be almost touching, and with common accord they take wing. They feed mainly on small fruit both wild and cultivated but are also expert flycatchers. They nest in June, usually in shade or fruit trees, building a well-made nest for the beautiful, clay-colored, black-spotted eggs.

SHRIKES. FAMILY LANIIDÆ

NORTHERN SHRIKE

Lanius borealis. Case 2, Fig. 56

Larger than the Migrant and Loggerhead Shrikes with a grayish, not black, forehead and a lightly barred, not plain white breast. L. 10-1/4.

Range. Nests in Canada, winters south to Texas and Virginia.