The Enigmatic Life of Groundless Birds

Core Concepts

Swifts, as birds that never come down to the ground, possess an otherworldly quality that defies easy understanding, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder.

Abstract

In the narrative, the author recounts a personal encounter with a dead common swift, highlighting the bird's ethereal nature and the author's reverence towards it. Swifts are depicted as enigmatic creatures that defy conventional bird behavior by never descending to the ground. The author's fascination with these birds stems from their mysterious existence in the upper air, likening them to angels or aliens on Earth. Despite their elusive nature, observing swifts in flight reveals their dynamic movements and unique characteristics that set them apart from other birds.

Stats

Swifts weigh about 1½ ounces.
Their high-pitched screaming can be slowed down to reveal a wild, bubbling call similar to common loons.

Quotes

"I found a dead common swift once... I didn’t know what to do."
"Swifts are magical in the manner of all things that exist just a little beyond understanding."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Mysterious Life of Birds Who Never Come Down (Published 2020)

by Helen Macdon... at www.nytimes.com 07-29-2020

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/magazine/vesper-flights.html

Deeper Inquiries

What cultural significance do swifts hold in different societies?

Swifts have held various cultural significances in different societies throughout history. In some cultures, they were considered the "Devil's bird" due to their dark appearance and association with churches. However, in other cultures, such as European folklore, swifts were seen as symbols of luck and protection. They were believed to bring good fortune to those who had them nesting on their property. Additionally, in ancient Greek mythology, swifts were associated with the god Apollo and were seen as messengers between humans and the divine.

Is there any scientific explanation for why swifts never come down to the ground?

The behavior of swifts not coming down to the ground is primarily due to their unique anatomy and lifestyle. Swifts have long wings relative to their body size which allows them exceptional flight capabilities. Their streamlined bodies are adapted for aerial feeding on insects while flying at high speeds. Unlike most birds that perch or nest on trees or the ground, swifts have specially adapted feet that make it difficult for them to stand or walk on flat surfaces. This specialization towards aerial life means that they spend almost all of their lives in flight except when nesting.

How does the author's personal experience with the dead swift shape their perspective on these mysterious birds?

The author's personal experience with finding a dead common swift under a bridge led them to view these birds through a lens of reverence and awe rather than scientific curiosity or morbid fascination. The encounter made them realize the seriousness akin to holiness that surrounded this creature, leading them to bury it respectfully instead of preserving it like other specimens they had encountered before.
This intimate interaction with death transformed into a deeper appreciation for living swifts' ethereal existence beyond human understanding - viewing them as creatures existing just beyond comprehension akin more closely aligned with angels than earthly beings.
Furthermore, holding a live grounded adult bird later reinforced this sense of alien-like presence within these creatures; its disconnected gaze and seemingly out-of-sync sensory perception further solidified their belief that swifts operate within a realm separate from our own understanding of time and space - making them truly enigmatic entities roaming Earth's skies like celestial messengers from another world.