36 PICARIAN BIRDS. 



influence the time of their arrival and departure to a considerable degree. In the 

 town of Berne these swifts frequent the tower of the cathedral. A few arrive 

 at the beginning of April, and after a short inspection of their old home 

 disappear. In a few days, however, some few return, and their number is 

 increased day by day until more than two hundred individuals make the cathedral- 

 tower their home. When they first come, the swifts are in good condition, and it 



COMMON AND ALPINE SWIFTS (^ liat. size). 



is well that they are so, as insects are few at that time of year, especially if April 

 happen to be a bad month. At this time they may be seen sitting in rows, hungry 

 and waiting for a more propitious season ; and if they should attempt a flight, they 

 circle round the cathedral, without the harsh cries generally uttered during their 

 gambols. Every spring individuals are picked up which have succumbed to the 

 cold, but on the approach of fine weather the cathedral-tower becomes the centre 

 of great animation. These swifts are very regular in their habits, at the dawn of 

 day leaving their roosting-places to seek their food in mid-air, and continuing 

 their flight until about noon, after which they are not seen. They rest until about 



