286 TEE ZOOLOGIST. 



ON THE BREEDING HABITS OF THE SWIFT 

 IN DERBYSHIRE. 



By the Rev. F. C, R. Jourdain, M.A., M.B.O.U. 



Although a widely distributed bird, Cypselus apus is difficult 

 to observe at nesting-time, on account of the inaccessibleness of 

 its usual breeding-places. Presumably this is the reason for the 

 uncertainty which exists with regard to one or two points in its 

 history. 



The Swift is one of the most regular of our migratory birds, 

 and is usually first seen in this county between May 2nd and 

 5th. Mr. Storrs Fox has seen one at Bakewell as early as 

 May 1st, but May 4th may be taken as the average date, and it 

 is not at all uncommon for them to arrive exactly on that day. 

 Although they resort to the nest-holes before that time, eggs are 

 seldom found before the last daj^s of May, and about the same 

 numbers seem to return every year. Most nests in this neigh- 

 bourhood are made under the eaves of lofty buildings or in 

 thatch, but some pairs may be found nesting in the natural 

 crevices of the steep limestone rocks at Dovedale and other 

 places. The Swift can squeeze itself through a remarkably 

 shallow opening, barely wide enough to admit the fingers, and 

 the nests are usually some little way from the entrance. Where 

 suitable sites are available, they seem to prefer to breed in 

 company, but a single pair may often be found nesting at some 

 distance from any colony. For over thirt)' years a colony of 

 seven to eight pairs has nested under the eaves of a house in 

 this neighbourhood, which stands by itself on a hillside, and 

 offers unusual facilities for observation. 



The first thing that strikes one in watching these Swifts is 

 that they play a regular game. On a summer's evening some 

 five or six birds may be in sight, hawking busily in different 

 directions, when suddenly one will dash off towards the house 

 screaming. Every Swift in sight at once joins in the chase, 



