The chimney swift migrates from North America to the Caribbean and South America and is known for nesting in chimneys.
Chimney swifts breed across eastern North America and spend the nonbreeding season in tropical South America. They traditionally nested in hollow trees and caves, but chimneys and other human structures became important nesting sites after European settlement.
Unlike many birds, chimney swifts cannot perch upright on ordinary branches. Their feet are adapted for clinging to vertical surfaces, and they spend much of their time flying while catching insects.
A chimney swift’s nest is a small half-cup of twigs glued to a wall with saliva. The species has declined in parts of its range as old masonry chimneys disappear and modern chimneys become unsuitable.