_Elanoides forficatus forficatus_
The head and lower parts are white, the rest of
the plumage glossy black; the tail deeply forked.
L. 24.
_Range._ Florida to South Carolina, and up the
Mississippi Valley rarely to Saskatchewan; winters
south of the United States, returning in March.
Washington, three records, Aug.; Apl. SE. Minn.,
uncommon S.R., May 4.
Color, form, grace, and power of motion combine to make the flight of
the Swallow-tail an impressive demonstration of the bird's mastery of
the air. It feeds on lizards and small snakes which it captures when on
the wing from the branches of trees. The nest is placed in the upper
branches of tall trees, 2-3 eggs heavily marked with brown being laid in
Florida in April; in Iowa in June.