A multitude of names testifies that the Common Swift flocks chasing through narrow alleys – so-called "screaming parties" (LACK, 1956) – have fascinated and occupied people throughout Europe:
Turmsegler, Mauerhäkler, Turmschwalbe, Kirchschwalbe, Steinschwalbe, Geierschwalbe, Feuerschwalbe, Spier- und Spürschwalbe, Speyer, Gerschwalb, Spyr, Spierschwalken, Peerdschwalken, Tierkater; also Stanschwalbe, Rauch- und Raubschwalbe, Quiekschwalbe in German-speaking areas; while foreign common names include: Murseiler, Taarnsvale, Kirksvale, Mursvale, Kirkstaer, Rikkelse (Danish); Tervapääsky (Finnish); Swift, Common Swift, Black Martin, Deviling, Devil Bird, Screamer (English); Gabhlán, Gaoithe (Gaelic); Martinet noir, Moutardier, Juif, Martelet (French); Gier Zwaluw, Steen Zwaluw (Dutch); Rondone nero, Rondone, Rondinone (Italian); Vencejo, Ferreiro, Andorinhão, Avión, Falsia, Ballerté (Spanish); Kasatka (Russian); Rorýs (Czech) – to name just a few (NAUMANN, 1910).
