Band-rumped Swift
NameBand-rumped Swift
Common NameBand-rumped Swift
Scientific NameChaetura spinicaudus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsSooty blackish-brown overall, with a contrasting pale greyish-white band across the rump and uppertail coverts. The throat and upper breast are typically paler grey, while the belly and undertail coverts are darker.
Vocalization / CallProduces high-pitched, rapid chattering or twittering calls, often given continuously while in flight, especially when in groups.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America and northern South America, ranging from Honduras south through Panama, and across much of northern South America including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Identifying Featurespale rump band, small size, dark plumage, rapid erratic flight, chattering calls
Description
A small, dark swift characterized by a prominent pale band across its rump. It is typically observed in rapid, erratic flight over open areas, forest edges, and clearings, often in flocks.
