Vaux's Swift
NameVaux's Swift
Common NameVaux's Swift
Scientific NameChaetura vauxi
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)19
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty brown plumage, appearing darker on the back and wings, and slightly paler on the throat and belly. The tail is short and square, with stiff feather shafts that extend beyond the vanes.
Vocalization / CallA rapid, high-pitched chattering or twittering call, often given in flight, sounding like 'ch-ch-ch-ch-ch'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in western North America from Alaska south to California, and in parts of Central America. Winters from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America.
Identifying FeaturesCigar-shaped body, Long, narrow, sickle-shaped wings, Rapid, erratic flight, Sooty brown plumage, Short, stiff-spined tail
Description
The Vaux's Swift is a small, fast-flying bird with a cigar-shaped body and long, narrow, sickle-shaped wings. It spends most of its life in the air, feeding on insects and rarely perching except to roost or nest.
