Short-tailed Swift
NameShort-tailed Swift
Common NameShort-tailed Swift
Scientific NameChaetura brachyura
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)31.5
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty-brown plumage, appearing uniformly dark in flight. It typically has a slightly paler throat and rump, which can be difficult to discern in varying light conditions.
Vocalization / CallProduces high-pitched, rapid chattering or twittering calls, often given in flight, which can sound like 'chip-chip-chip' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico through Central America and across much of northern South America, including parts of the Caribbean.
Identifying FeaturesVery short, square tail, Dark, sooty-brown plumage, Long, swept-back, sickle-shaped wings, Fast, erratic flight pattern, Aerial foraging behavior
Description
The Short-tailed Swift is a small, dark aerial bird characterized by its rapid, erratic flight and distinctive short, square tail. It spends most of its life in the air, foraging for insects and often roosting in hollow trees or chimneys.
