What is this bird?

[GardenSlug000]

Hello, can anyone identify this bird which has a very short beak?

I thought it was injured because it fluttered about at ground level, and when it was
still it kept its head facing up at what appeared to be a severe angle, as can
be seen in the photo that also reveals white feathers under the chin.

The bird soon flew away after I took the pictures.

Location: Essex County area of Southern Ontario

[Brian Bailey]

It looks like a Chimney Swift. I've only ever seen them flying.  From what you describe, it sounds like it probably was injured or at least stunned from a collision.  


BB

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[thouc]

If Chimney Swifts get grounded for some reason they have difficulty taking off, the fluttering about you saw was its attempt to take flight.

[GardenSlug000]

Thank you both to Brian Bailey and Thouc, I looked up Chimney Swift and it certainly seems to match
the bird I found.  The bird definitely had curved scimitar shaped wings and a very tiny beak.  

The following website http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chimney_Swift/id
confirms the bird can't perch if it lands; it must instead cling to vertical surfaces.
Ontario government website lists it as a threatened species.  I hope this little guy did
fine once he managed to fly away.