Question: • Chimney Swifts Are Small, Slender Birds That Have Become A Symbol Of Summer For Many; They Usually Appear In North America During Warm, Summer Months As They Make Their Way To More Tropical Sites For The Winter. They Are Recognized Most Often As Spectacular, Chirping Flocks Moving Through The Sky In Synchrony. Chimney Swifts Can Be Seen Most Vividly …

• Chimney swifts are small, slender birds that have become a symbol of summer for many; they usually appear in North America during warm, summer months as they make their way to more tropical sites for the winter. They are recognized most often as spectacular, chirping flocks moving through the sky in synchrony. Chimney swifts can be seen most vividly at dusk when large colonies of hundreds, or even thousands of individuals form tornado-like funnels as they descend into the chimneys. Unfortunately, the size of the colonies we see is misleading. Though the numbers may seem remarkable chimney swift populations have been declining sharply since the 1970’s due primarily to habitat loss. Unlike most birds, chimney swifts cannot perch or stand upright, so they require long, hollow spaces that are enclosed to provide safe roosting and nesting sites. Historically, Chimney swifts preferred hollow trees. However, as pioneers colonized territory and replaced forests with towns, the species was forced to adapt by using other structures, such as chimneys. In the US, a large-scale shift to alternate heat sources, chimney-capping and the use of fabricated chimneys has drastically impacted their ability to nest during migration. Traditionally, chimneys were lined with clay, which the swifts were able to cling to and make their nests. Newer, prefabricated chimneys are often lined with metal flues that make it impossible for them to use. In addition, logging and deforestation may make finding suitable overwintering habitat more challenging than ever. In an effort to sustain the remaining population, conservation groups have designed supplemental housing structures, called “Chimney towers.” These towers are designed specifically to provide roosting sites for chimney swifts. Chimney swifts now rely almost entirely on man-made structures like these to survive. However, because this species is remarkably adaptable, even minimal conservation efforts like keeping traditional masonry chimneys uncapped during the summer months can drastically improve their chance of survival Q5. Which of the following lists support the main idea of the passage? A. Chimney swifts appear in North America in summer, migrate to the tropics in winter, and give birth in the spring. B. Logging and deforestation, changes in the ways we hear our buildings and chimney capping have robbed the chimney swift of its preferred roosting sites C. The small, slender bird known as the chimney swift migrates in large numbers, can be seen only at dusk, and raises its young in the tropics D. Metal-lined chimneys, chimney towers, and reforestation efforts will ultimately result in the growth of the chimney swift population.