White-throated Swift
Aeronautes saxatalis
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About
A medium-sized swift (15-17 cm) with striking black and white plumage, unique among North American swifts. White throat, breast, and flank patches contrast with black body. Found in canyons and cliffs of western North America. Aerial insectivore; resident in southern range.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 28.1 cm | 11.1 in |
| Weight | 34.03 g | 1.20 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Black upperparts; bold white throat and white flanks extending to white central underparts; black sides of breast and belly create striking tricoloured pattern; white lateral tail spots; Western North American cliff-nesting swift.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in western North America from British Columbia south through the Rocky Mountains to Central America. Partially migratory northward.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore relying entirely on flying insects (midges, gnats, small beetles) and airborne spiders.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP,O. Incubation: 20-27 days. Fledging: 40-46 days.
Clutch Size
3-6
Sound
Song
Sharp, whistled notes alternating with buzzy trills; crisp di-di-dit pattern repeated rhythmically during swift soaring flights.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aeronautes |
| Species | Aeronautes saxatalis |
Distribution
White-throated Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the White-throated Swift eat?
Where does the White-throated Swift live?
Is the White-throated Swift endangered?
How does the White-throated Swift nest?
What does the White-throated Swift sound like?
How big is the White-throated Swift?
What order and family does the White-throated Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family