Swifts

Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica

Family Apodidae (Swifts)

Size: 5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Variety of habitats including woods, scrub, swamps, urban areas

The gregarious chimney swift is unrelated to the swallows but similar in shape. The body is like a fat torpedo with a very short tail and long, pointed, bowed wings that bend close to the body. It is dark brown overall and slightly paler underneath and at the chin. Constantly on the wing, it catches insects in flight with quick wing beats and fast glides. It never perches but roosts at night on vertical cliffs, trees, or in chimneys. Its voice is a quick chattering uttered in flight. The adult is illustrated.