CYPSELID.^. 



261 



THE SWIFT. 



Cypselus apus (Linnaeus). 



The Swifts, with which we enter upon the Order Picarl«, were 

 formerly placed among the Passeres, and close to the Swallows ; 

 but it is now generally admitted that in spite of a similarity in 

 habits and appearance, the Swifts have as little structural affinity 

 with the latter as with any other Passerine family. They have no 

 true song-muscles, and their note is a harsh scream. Their powerful 

 wings are very long ; while their four toes are directed forward, 

 and, though well adapted for clinging, are so small that walking is 

 difficult. Contrary, however, to the popular belief, birds sometimes 

 succeed in raising themselves from fairly level ground. 



The Swift, often called " Screecher " and " Deviling," is an 

 abundant migrant to the British Islands. It usually makes its 

 appearance in the south towards the end of April ; but Prof. 

 Newton and his brother, the late Sir Edward Newton, observed a 

 Swift near Lowestoft as early as March 26th 1897. The majority 

 have taken their departure by the end of August, but laggards have 

 been recorded up to October, November and even December ist. 



