Swift

a family of birds related to that of the hummingbird, but having a strong outward resemblance to the swallow. There are seventy-five species, four North American. They were originally inhabitants of hollow trees and caves, but they are now disposed to seek shelter in buildings. The common swift has adapted itself to new conditions. It builds a bracket-like nest of twigs, glued together with a sticky saliva and attached to the inside of a chimney,--hence the popular but incorrect name of chimney-swallow. Chimney-swift would be more appropriate. The swift has long, pointed wings, curved backward, and has a compact, trim body riding between them. They give the appearance of a tiny bow and arrow when the owner is sailing at a great height, as is its custom of a morning or fine evening. Frequently several nests are made in the same chimney, and occasionally large colonies occupy disused factory chimneys or mill stacks. The swift clings to a wall by small, weak feet, using its tail as a prop, woodpecker fashion. It feeds on insects caught in midair. Its plumage is compact to offer little resistance in swift flight, and, as might be expected from its nesting place, is of a sooty brown, grayish on the throat. Eggs, four to six, white. The edible nest used by the Chinese for soups is made by a species of swift that inhabits the cliffs of Asiatic coasts. See Swallow; Martin