Chimney Swift
NameChimney Swift
Common NameChimney Swift
Scientific NameChaetura pelagica
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsSooty gray-brown overall, appearing slightly paler on the throat and breast. The wings are darker, and the tail is short with stiff, spiny feather shafts that help it cling to vertical surfaces.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, rapid, and chattering 'chip-chip-chip' or 'tittering' call, often given in flight, especially when in groups.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, forest, wetland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States. Migrates to South America, primarily Peru and Ecuador, for the winter months.
Identifying Featurescigar-shaped body, long, narrow, scythe-like wings, short, spiny tail, sooty gray-brown plumage, erratic, bat-like flight pattern
Description
The Chimney Swift is a small, sooty-gray bird with a distinctive cigar-shaped body and long, narrow, scythe-like wings. It spends nearly its entire life in flight, foraging for insects and rarely perching except to roost or nest.
