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It bears emphasis that the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) was obviously not always known as a chimney-dweller. Humans can take a certain amount of pride in the fact that we have helped in the survival of at least one species. Perhaps the most commonly known swift is the Chimney Swift. This cigar-shaped bird used to make its home in hollow trees, canyon crevices, or cave walls. Some still do, but the ‘citified’ birds have adapted well to chimney living. Even country swifts are improvising, sometimes choosing to make their nests in silos Swifts closely resemble swallows in both appearance and behavior, but they are really not related at all. They do spend the majority of their time in the air feeding on small insects however they tend to fly much higher than swallows or martins. Chimney Swifts spend their winters in central or South America. When summer arrives, they choose the eastern United State and the lower part of eastern Canada. Being well suited for flight, the Chimney Swift has long wings that allow for rapid, stiff, wing-beats. This speed allows them to fly in a more direct pattern as compared to the traversing flight of other birds. Their short, stubby tails have a squared look to them with small projecting quills. They are dark in color, and unless seen by a savvy birder, would not be easily identified by the inexperienced eye.
The Chimney Swift is about 5″ in length (12.5 cm). The birds build a hammock-like nest of twigs and grasses held together by saliva against the inside walls of chimneys, or other such buildings. It is just after dusk when the swifts flock above their chimney dwellings in circular flight patterns, preparing to roost.
When male and female swifts breed, they perform courting rituals that involve sustained flight and the triumph of the fittest. The actual mating takes place in the air during flight. Females lay a clutch of 3-5 round, white eggs. Incubation is 19 days. Once hatched, they begin life at about the size of a thumbnail! Parent birds feed the young swifts by regurgitating food directly into their mouths. The young birds venture out at about 2 ½ weeks of age. They exercise while in the confines of their chimney or crevice dwelling by beating their wings rapidly over and over, enabling them to gain strength and stamina. After about 26 days, fledgling swifts begin small flight maneuvers up and down the length of the chimney. By the age of 6 weeks, they are strong and ready to begin a life of aerial survival.
**author’s note** It is recommended that chimneys, smokestacks, and other such vessels be checked thoroughly before any burning is begun during each season.
