234 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
They probably breed during April and May on some of the 
great precipices of the higher ranges in the Central Province 
and Uva. ‘The nests are of the usual Swift type, and are 
composed of feathers, grass, &c., cemented with hardened 
saliva and glued to the surface of a rock. The eggs, three or 
four in number, are pure white, smooth, and slightly glossy. 
In shape they are elongated ovals, and average about 1:2 
yagi: 
CYPSELUS AFFINIS (Blanford, Vol. III., p. 168 ; 
Legge, p. 319). 
The Common Indian Swift. 
Description.—Head, wings, and tail dark brown with a slight 
gloss, the crown and nape slightly paler ; back black with a 
greenish gloss ; a broad whitish band across the rump and 
sides, chin and throat whitish with faint black shaft-stripes ; 
remainder of under surface blackish-brown, paler on the wing 
lining and lower tail coverts. 
Bill black ; iris deep brown ; legs and feet vinous-brown. 
Length about 5°3 ; wing about 5°20; tail 1°75; tarsus °4 ; 
bill from gape °*75. 
Distribution. Occurs over the greater part of the Island ; 
found throughout India, and ranges westward to Palestine 
and the greater part of Africa. 
Habits, &c.—While there are regular breeding colonies in 
many parts of the low-country, as at Trincomalee, Anuradha- 
pura, Dambulla, and Kirinde, in other parts this species 
appears to be a mere wanderer. It is, however, resident 
almost throughout the hills. It generally occurs in fairly 
large flocks, which may be seen high in the air hawking for 
insects. The cry is a shrill, weak scream. The breeding 
season is between March and July. The birds nest in colonies 
in rock caves, verandahs of buildings, &. ‘The nests are 
made of grass, straw, or feathers, cemented together with 
saliva, and glued to the roof or walls of the nesting haunt. 
The eggs, generally two in number, are long, pure white ovals, 
measuring about *92 by °59. 
