BIRDS OF CUBA 95 



169. Streptoprocne zonaris pallidifrons (Hartert). 

 Cuban Collared Swift; Vencejo.^ 



A dweller, apparently, on the summits of the most inaccessible 

 mountains. I have seen only one band, flying over the batey of the San 

 Carlos estate, Doctor Ramsden's former headquarters near Guantanamo. 

 Here, from time to time, he gradually secured the small series from which 

 he spared me a pair. They come hawking, to the lowlands after a heavy 

 storm, fly about for a while, and then retire again to the hills. I know 

 of them only in three districts of the Island: the mountains of Trinidad, 

 the Sierra Maestra range and the northern ranges of Moa and Yateras. 

 Nothing is known of nests or eggs. The bird is an enormous one. 



The Jamaican Swifts are similar to the Cuban; those from Santo 

 Domingo have been shown by Mr. J. L. Peters to be worthy of subspecific 

 recognition. 



170. Nephoecetes niger niger (Gmelin). 

 Antillean Black Swift. 



In habits this species is similar to the preceding, and perhaps in Cuba 

 it is even rarer. I have it, thanks to Doctor Ramsden, from San Carlos de 

 Guantanamo, only. 



171. Tachornis phoenicobia yradii (Lembeye). 

 Cuban Palm Swift; Golondrina or Vencejo. 



Common in savannas of Cuba and of the Isle of Pines, although the 

 first specimens ever actually collected in the Isle of Pines were secured by 

 Brooks at Santa Barbara in March, 1917. The little Palm Swift is grega- 

 rious, and the colonies are scattered widely over vast areas of sterile, semi- 



' The Swallows and Swifts are often confused; all are often called Golondrina. Vencejo, in general 

 use by Spaniards, is applied only to the Swifts. 



