90 Bird- Lore
of these are West Indian species which have been observed but once and that in the Tortugas at the extreme west end of the Florida Keys.
Searon.—Coincident with the wide distribution and insect—eating habits Swallows are highly migratory. Only one species winters in the eastern United States; this, the Tree Swallow, is therefore, as might be expected, the first of its family to appear in the spring, reaching the latitude of New York City about April 5 and remaining until the latter half of October after all other members of its family have departed. ,
Golan—While varying somewhat widely in color Swallows, as a rule, agree in having their colors distributed in solid masses, and there is an absence of streaks and spots, each feather being usually of one color. The steel blue or green of our Barn or Tree Swallows is characteristic of many species.
External Structure.—Long pointed wingsPsmall feet, short, weak, hooked bills and wide gaps cut back nearly, if not quite to the eyes, with a notched, and sometimes deeply forked tail are the obvious external char- acters of Swallows.
Appearance and HabitL—Swallows are birds of the air, feeding on the wing aud doubtless covering every day more miles than some terrestrial species do in a season. Their power of flight is synonymous with speed and grace, but when on the ground they are correspondingly weak and awkward, the wings apparently having been developed at the expense of the feet.
Sang—While not considered song birds some species of Swallows— notably our Barn Swallow—have bright and cheery call notes or twittering songs which are often quite as pleasing as more ambitious vocal efforts.
FAMILY 9. WAXWINGS. drape/Mm
Raga—This family contains only the Japanese Waxwing of Japan and eastern Siberia, the Bohemian Waxwing, which inhabits the northern parts of both hemispheres, and our Cedar Waxwing, which ranges over the greater part of North America.
Season—The Cedar Waxwing is a permanent resident from Virginia northward, but of irregular occurrence in the‘ northern portion of its range during the winter. The Bohemian Waxwing is a very rare winter visitant.
Calvin—The Waxwings are rich grayish brown, and the adults are dis- tinguished by having sealing—wax-like tips on the secondaries and yellow bands at the end of the tail.
External StrutturL—With the Waxwings the wings are rather long and pointed, the bill short and rather stout; the head is crested, and the feath- ers of the lores are black and velvety.
flppearantt and Habitr. —Except when nesting, Waxwings are usually found in small flocks the members of which seem to be animated by one
