Costa Rican Swift
Chaetura fumosa
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About
A small swift (11 cm) endemic to the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and western Panama. Dark plumage with a pale grey rump band. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore of humid forest canopy. Poorly known; restricted range in Central American lowland forests.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 21.2 cm | 8.3 in |
| Weight | 18.2 g | 0.64 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; uniformly dark sooty-brown with rump barely paler than dark back; underparts dark grey-brown; short spiny tail; Central American Pacific slope species; exceptionally dark and uniform compared to most Chaetura swifts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and Panama. Resident in lowland and foothill forest and forest edge below 1,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Entirely airborne feeder on tiny flies, gnats, and airborne arachnids; one of the most aerial of all birds.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Thin, insect-like buzz alternating with soft clicks; delicate high trill delivered during swift wheeling flight over valleys.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Chaetura |
| Species | Chaetura fumosa |
Distribution
Costa Rican Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Costa Rican Swift eat?
Where does the Costa Rican Swift live?
Is the Costa Rican Swift endangered?
What does the Costa Rican Swift sound like?
How big is the Costa Rican Swift?
What order and family does the Costa Rican Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family