Betula utilis Betula utilis Betula utilis (Himalayan birch, bhojpatra, "bhūrjá") is a birch tree native to the Himalayas, growing at elevations up to . The specific epithet, "utilis", refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree. The white, paper-like bark of the tree was used in ancient times for writing Sanskrit scriptures and texts. It is still used as paper for the writing of sacred mantras, with the bark placed in an amulet and worn for protection. Selected varieties are used for landscaping throughout the world, even while some areas of its native habitat are being lost due
White-winged swallow White-winged swallow The white-winged swallow ("Tachycineta albiventer") is a resident breeding swallow in tropical South America from Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad south to northern Argentina. It is not found west of the Andes. This swallow is largely non-migratory. The genus "Tachycineta" was established for this group of swallows by German ornithologist Jean Cabanis in 1850. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek "takhukinetos", "moving quickly"; the specific name "albiventer" is from Latin "albus", "white", and "venter", "belly". This swallow is monotypic, and no subspecies are currently recognized. The adult white-winged swallow is long and weighs . It has iridescent blue-green