Lesser Antillean Swift
NameLesser Antillean Swift
Common NameLesser Antillean Swift
Scientific NameChaetura martinica
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsUniformly sooty brown to blackish plumage, appearing very dark overall. The throat and belly may be slightly paler, but there are no prominent markings.
Vocalization / CallProduces high-pitched, rapid, chattering or twittering calls, often given in flight as they forage or interact.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Lesser Antilles, found on various islands including Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Dominica.
Identifying FeaturesDark, sooty plumage, Cigar-shaped body, Long, swept-back, scythe-like wings, Rapid, erratic flight pattern, Short, square tail
Description
The Lesser Antillean Swift is a small, dark swift characterized by its cigar-shaped body and long, scythe-like wings, perfectly adapted for its aerial lifestyle. It spends most of its day in continuous flight, foraging for insects high in the sky.
