Common swift that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. Their call is a loud scream in two different tone pitches, the higher of which issues from the female. They often form 'screaming parties' during summer evenings, when 10–20 swifts will gather in flight around their nesting area, calling out and being answered by nesting swifts. Larger "screaming parties" are formed at higher altitudes, especially late in the breeding season. The purpose of these parties is uncertain, but may include ascending to sleep on the wing, while still breeding adults tend to spend the night in the nest. Swifts may nest in former
Screaming Meemees the "North Shore Invasion". The Screaming Meemees were named "Most Promising Group" at the 1981 New Zealand Music Awards. In early 1981, The Screaming Meemees released the single, "Can’t Take It", with The Newmatics’ "Judas" on the flip side. The single sold about 2000 copies and entered the top 40 in New Zealand. This was followed by the "Screaming Blamatic Roadshow", which included label-mates Blam Blam Blam and The Newmatics. The follow-up single was "See Me Go", released as a limited release 12" edition, and a 7". Despite being unavailable after the initial week of release, the song was briefly