Summer visitor. Arrives from southern Africa in May and departs during August. Nests under the eaves of older buildings. Feeds on flying insects.

A totally aerial species that can be confused only with the swallows and martins.

Voice: distinctive shrill high-pitched scream.

Habitat: summer visitor of migrants over most of Europe except the far north.

Nest: rough crudely lined in roof cavity.

Diet: insects of various species taken on the wing.