THE BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND. 63 



Family CYPSELID^. 

 Genus CYPSELUS. 



C. Apus. Swift. 



The Swift is a common summer visitant, generally 

 observed from May 1st until the middle or end of 

 August. Stragglers hnger into September. In 1884, 

 the first Swift appeared at Burgh on April 28th, and 

 in 1885 a party of five arrived on April 26th ; but 

 these are earlier dates than the average. From the 

 Swift's power of flight, and the elevation at which 

 it probably migrates, it is possible that it is less 

 aflected by adverse winds than the majority of 

 species. 



C. Melha. White-bellied Swift. 



The Alpine Swift is an accidental wanderer from 

 central Europe. Between 1832 and 1838, a single 

 bird was shot near St Bees in the presence of the 

 late Mr. T. Reeves, from whom it passed into the 

 possession of the late Sir R. Brisco of Crofton. 

 (J. B. Hodgkinson^ MS., c£ Carlisle Museum Cat.) 



Family CAPRIMULGIDiE. 

 Genus CAPRIMULGUS. 



C. Europoea. Nightjar. 



The Goatsucker is a local summer visitant, 

 usually arriving in Cumberland at the beginning 

 of May, though Mr. T. C. Heysham observed it at 

 Carlisle on the 17th of April. It breeds sparingly 

 on the skirts of many of our commons and mosses. 



