CYPSELID.t. 



251 



THE SWIFT. 

 CvpsELUs APUS (LinriKus). 



The Swifts, with which we enter upon the Order Picari^, 

 were formerly placed among the Passeres, united with or close to 

 the Swallows; but it is now generally admitted that in spite of a 

 certain similarity in habits and appearance, the Swifts have as little 

 structural affinity with the latter as with any other Passerine family, 

 their nearest allies being the Humming-Birds. Having no true 

 song-muscles their note is a harsh scream ; and their powerful wings 

 are so long — while the feet with the four toes directed forwards and 

 well adapted for clinging, are so small — as to render walking diffi- 

 cult ; but, contrary to the popular beMef, the birds are able to raise 

 themselves from the ground. 



The Swift, often called ' Screecher' and ' Deviling,' is a common 

 summer-visitor to the British Islands, making its appearance in the 

 south towards the end of April, and in the north somewhat later. 

 The majority have taken their departure by the end of August, 

 but even so far north as Nairn I noticed that many remained 

 until the 21st of that month, and laggards have been recorded in 

 the south-west as late as October and even November. To the 



