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White-bellied Swallow; Tree Swallow
Adult--Upper parts greenish blue steel colour; under parts white. Length--5.90.
Breeding Range--"From the fur countries south to New Jersey, the Ohio Valley, Kansas, and Colorado" (A.O.U. check-list).
Nest either in bird boxes, in hollow trees, or in cliffs. 4 to 6, or sometimes 7, unmarked white eggs are laid. Size--.75 x .55.
In some parts of the country these swallows have not yet abandoned their ancient custom of breeding in hollow trees and other natural cavities, while in the more thickly settled regions they have utilised the nesting places provided for their convenience by man. It will probably not be many years before hollow trees will no longer be used, except possibly as roosting places. The breeding season lasts from the middle of May until July, two broods being reared; after the young of the first brood are strong enough they commence flocking, and may be seen early in July flying in large numbers over the low lands; these are joined by the second broods and the parents about the beginning of August, so that the flocks contain countless numbers. In the early morning, as the sun appears on the horizon, these birds sit long the telegraph wires sunning themselves and making their morning toilet.