Andean Swift
Aeronautes andecolus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aeronautes-andecolus"></birdfyi-bird>The Andean Swift (Aeronautes andecolus) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 28 cm and a weight of 17.1 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized swift (14-16 cm) of the high Andes from Peru to Argentina, typically found at 2,500-4,500 m elevation. Brown plumage with a white collar and belly. Aerial insectivore, foraging over high-altitude puna grassland and mountain slopes. One of the highest-flying swifts.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 28.0 cm | 11.0 in |
| Weight | 17.1 g | 0.60 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark blackish-brown upperparts; white throat and white flanks; slightly less bold white patterning than White-throated Swift; Andean high-altitude specialist ranging Peru to Argentina; similar plumage to congeners but geographically separated.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found along the Andes from Peru and Bolivia south to Chile and Argentina at 2,000–4,500 m. Resident in Andean valleys and rocky slopes.
Diet & Feeding
Entirely aerial insectivore consuming swarms of tiny flies, winged ants, and ballooning spiders on the wing.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV.
Sound
Song
Melodic whistled phrase with clear flute-like quality; gentle ascending series of pure notes echoing across high Andean slopes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aeronautes |
| Species | Aeronautes andecolus |
Distribution
Andean Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Andean Swift eat?
Where does the Andean Swift live?
Is the Andean Swift endangered?
How does the Andean Swift nest?
What does the Andean Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the Andean Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family