chimney swift

noun

1. an American swift, Chateura pelagica, which often builds its nest in an unused chimney.

chimney swift

noun

1. a North American swift, Chaetura pelagica, that nests in chimneys and similar hollows

Word History and Origins

Origin of chimney swift¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The term has been used in reference to the behavior of the common swift, a close cousin of the chimney swift, but this behavior is likely common to the swift family.

From Washington Post

People from New England to Texas are building fake chimneys as nesting spots and migration motels for chimney swifts, little birds that are dwindling in number as the nation’s architectural landscape changes.

From Washington Times

It’s unclear how much of the chimney swifts’ decline is linked to chimney loss, especially since fake chimneys don’t always get used.

From Washington Times

Even more stunning, the birds were chimney swifts, not racing pigeons.

From Seattle Times

A video originally posted to Facebook shows the chimney swifts slamming into the structure’s large glass frontage, which the witness told the Charlotte Observer continued for over an hour.

From Fox News