While sitting on the back deck last evening, I observed the first chimney swifts of the season, zooming above our Columbia, Missouri, home. Having wintered in South America, they have finally arrived on their breeding grounds where they will roost and nest in chimneys, tree cavities and other hollow structures.
Found across the eastern 2/3 of the U.S. and southern Canada, these "flying cigars" are often observed in scattered flocks over cities and towns, feasting on flying insects; come dusk, they funnel into favored roost sites and are often mistaken for bats. On hot, humid summer days, they are one of the few species that seem undaunted by the afternoon steam bath.
A bit late to arrive this year, chimney swifts are a sign that the insect explosion of summer has begun. Nevertheless, they are adventurous compared to the larger common nighthawks, which will not return to the Midwest before early May.
Found across the eastern 2/3 of the U.S. and southern Canada, these "flying cigars" are often observed in scattered flocks over cities and towns, feasting on flying insects; come dusk, they funnel into favored roost sites and are often mistaken for bats. On hot, humid summer days, they are one of the few species that seem undaunted by the afternoon steam bath.
A bit late to arrive this year, chimney swifts are a sign that the insect explosion of summer has begun. Nevertheless, they are adventurous compared to the larger common nighthawks, which will not return to the Midwest before early May.
