61G. Riparia riparia. 5 1/4 inches.

These are the smallest of our Swallows; this species can be distinguished, even at a distance, by the conspicuous band across the breast, showing in bold relief against the lighter throat. They are found throughout North America, breeding from the middle of the U. S. north to the Arctic regions.

They nest in colonies in holes in banks, laying the four to seven white eggs on a grass nest in an enlarged chamber at the end of the tunnel.