White-tipped Swift
Aeronautes montivagus
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About
A medium-sized swift (13-14 cm) found in montane regions from Mexico to Venezuela and Peru. Dark plumage with white tips on the outer tail feathers. Aerial insectivore, foraging over mountain slopes and cloud forests. Often seen in flocks along steep mountain ridges.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 23.0 cm | 9.1 in |
| Weight | 20.21666666666667 g | 0.71 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark blackish-brown; white throat and pale flanks; white tips to secondaries forming a white trailing-edge band on wing; smaller than White-throated Swift; Andean species distinguished by white-tipped secondary pattern.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the Andes and tepuis of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia at 500–3,000 m. Resident in montane rocky outcrops.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial feeder on small insects and arachnids; catches prey in a wide gape during high-speed flight.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CR.
Clutch Size
4-5
Sound
Song
High, pure whistle fading to sibilant ending; soft series of descending notes with slight wavering, rarely heard distinctly.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aeronautes |
| Species | Aeronautes montivagus |
Distribution
White-tipped Swift has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the White-tipped Swift eat?
Where does the White-tipped Swift live?
Is the White-tipped Swift endangered?
How does the White-tipped Swift nest?
What does the White-tipped Swift sound like?
How big is the White-tipped Swift?
What order and family does the White-tipped Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family