239 
Subfamily — Chaeturinae. Spine-tailed Swifts 
Not all of this subfamily have spine-tails (Figure 244 c). Amongst 
the species herein treated, the Black and White-throated Swifts are without 
them. The tarsi and toes are never feathered, but are not as fleshy (Figure 
244 b) as they are in the next subfamily. Canadian species except one 
are solidly coloured. 
422. Black Swift, black cloud swift. Cypsdoides niger. L, 6 • 75. The largest 
of our Swifts. Very dark sooty, almost black, but faintly lightening about head and 
breast, and with greyish feather edges on forehead and crown. Below, the female may 
or may not be marked with white feather tips. 
Distinctions. Large size (wing over 6 inches), black coloration, and tail not spine- 
tipped (Compare Figure 244). 
Figure 244 
Details of Chimney Swift. 
a, head; b, foot; c, tail feather with spine; d, horned wing-tip; e, outline in flight 
scale, a-d — natural size; e—\. 
Field Marks. The peculiar, regular bow of the forward wing outline (Figure 244 e), 
rapid, even, and continuous wing beat alternating with long sweeping sails, general torpedo- 
like body outline, and dense, dark coloration will distinguish this as a Swift. Its large size, 
only, will suggest its species. 
Nesting. In inaccessible clefts and crannies in the face of high mountain cliffs. 
Distribution. Western North America and the Indies, to South America. In Canada, 
only in the mountainous regions of British Columbia and adjoining Alberta, north at least 
to southern Alaska and Jasper park. 
SUBSPECIES. The type of the species inhabits the West Indies, the bird of con- 
tinental North America is the Northern Black Swift Cypseloides niger borealis. 
In the neighbourhood of the beetling mountains, at irregular intervals, 
one may see, high over head, mere specks in the vault, innumerable black 
forms darting about in intricate interweaving pattern. They work up the 
valley or down. For some minutes they may be in sight and then vanish 
for hours or days. Occasionally, in cloudy weather, they may come down 
low and then the details of the Black Swift can be made out. A mystery 
surrounds them and their comings and goings. Most Swifts can be traced 
with ease to their nests in the inaccessible, narrow clefts high up on the 
