128 INSESSORES. CYPSELUS Swift. 



cathedrals, towers, churches, and other buildings not con- 

 stantly inhabited, in the holes, and under the eaves of which 

 it finds a safe retreat, and proper situation to build in. — The 

 Nest &c. nest is formed of straw and other suitable materials, which 

 it collects with great dexterity in its flight. 



These are cemented together, and the inside of the nest is 

 plastered with a viscid substance, furnished by glands pecu- 

 liar to certain birds of this genus. The eggs are usually 

 two, but Temminck says three or four, of a transparent 

 pinkish- white. The form of the Swift is admirably adapted 

 to its mode of life, the greater part of which is passed in 

 floating through the air. Its head is broad and flat, the 

 neck very short, and the wings longer in proportion to its 

 size and weight, than those of any other bird. Except du- 

 ring the short periods of nightly repose, the Swift is con- 

 stantly upon wing; in fine weather flying at a great height, 

 and describing extensive circles with an easy sweeping mo- 

 tion ; in a damper state of the air its flight is nearer to the 

 Food, ground ; in both cases regulated by the situation of its in- 

 sect prey, which is higher or lower as directed by the at- 

 mospheric changes. It has been remarked that these birds 

 dehght in sultry weather, with approaching thunder-storms, 

 at such times flying in small parties, with peculiar violence, 

 and as they pass near steeples, towers, or corners of build- 

 ings, uttering loud screams, which White, in his Natural 

 History of Selborne, supposes to be a sort of serenade to 

 their respective . families. This, is fanciful and pretty ; but 

 I should rather be inclined to reason the opposite way, and 

 to consider this action and cry as the consequences of irrita- 

 bility, excited by the highly electrical state of the atmosphere 

 at such times *. The above mentioned scream is the only 

 note this bird possesses. Like the Swallows, it is frequently 

 seen skimming the surface of lakes and rivers in pursuit of 

 its food, and, like them also, it both drinks and bathes upon 



• See note in the account of the Green Woodpecker. 



4 



