162 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



P I C A R I iE. 



CYPSELID^. 



SWIFT. 



Cypselus apus. 



The Swift arrives about the 4th of May, when it congregates 

 around the highest buildings of our towns, or the towers of 

 our village churches. 



In fine weather it seems to pass the greater part of its 

 existence in careering about high in the air, for it is never 

 seen to alight on the ground or to settle on trees or buildings, 

 and, except in the breeding-season, seems never to rest. 

 At this time Swifts may be seen dashing about, pursuing 

 one another with rapid flight, and screaming loudly. They 

 are particularly active during thunder-storms ; in very rough 

 winds or cloudy days, however, they may be observed to fly 

 much lower, and when they have young will descend nearly 

 to the ground, or fly over the water, capturing dragonflies 

 and other insects, especially minute Coleoptera. In the 

 breeding-season they betake themselves to the eaves of some 

 lofty building, Avhere they place, generally on the wall-plate, 

 an artless nest of hay or straw, lined with feathers, and at the 

 time of incubation the females are serenaded by the loud 

 cries of their partners as they dash around the building. 

 They will sometimes, however, take possession of similar 

 situations under the roofs of low cottages, returning to them 

 lor many years in succession. I once observed a pair of 



