Grey-rumped Swift
Chaetura cinereiventris
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chaetura-cinereiventris"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized swift (11-12 cm) found in humid forests from Central America to southern Brazil. Dark grey plumage with a contrasting pale grey rump band. Short, spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forest canopy. Nests behind waterfalls and in caves.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 20.9 cm | 8.2 in |
| Weight | 16.15 g | 0.57 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark blackish-brown upperparts; pale grey rump contrasting with dark back; underparts dark grey-brown; short spiny tail; Neotropical species with the grey rump as key field mark; widespread from Caribbean to South America.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from Nicaragua south through Central America and northwestern South America to Bolivia and Brazil. Resident in lowland forest and edge.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial forager catching small flies, aphids, winged termites, and airborne spiders on the wing.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC,CV.
Clutch Size
2-4
Sound
Song
Soft, rippling trill with gentle buzzy overtones; light aerial call carrying a faint liquid quality on calm mornings.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Chaetura |
| Species | Chaetura cinereiventris |
Distribution
Grey-rumped Swift has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Grey-rumped Swift eat?
Where does the Grey-rumped Swift live?
Is the Grey-rumped Swift endangered?
How does the Grey-rumped Swift nest?
What does the Grey-rumped Swift sound like?
How big is the Grey-rumped Swift?
What order and family does the Grey-rumped Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family