Lesser Antillean Swift
Chaetura martinica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chaetura-martinica"></birdfyi-bird>The Lesser Antillean Swift (Chaetura martinica) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 21.6 cm and a weight of 12.6 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small swift (11 cm) endemic to the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Dark plumage with a grey rump. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forested mountains and volcanic peaks. Found on Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 21.6 cm | 8.5 in |
| Weight | 12.6 g | 0.44 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark sooty-brown overall; pale grey-brown rump slightly paler than back; underparts grey-brown; short spiny tail; Lesser Antilles endemic; very similar to Chapman's Swift but smaller and island-restricted with subtly paler rump.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the Lesser Antilles from Guadeloupe and Dominica south to St. Vincent and Grenada. Resident in forest and open areas.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal columns.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC.
Clutch Size
3
Sound
Song
Sharp, high-pitched squeaking in rapid succession; excited twittering with melodic inflection rising near breeding colony.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Chaetura |
| Species | Chaetura martinica |
Distribution
Lesser Antillean Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Lesser Antillean Swift eat?
Where does the Lesser Antillean Swift live?
Is the Lesser Antillean Swift endangered?
How does the Lesser Antillean Swift nest?
What does the Lesser Antillean Swift sound like?
How big is the Lesser Antillean Swift?
What order and family does the Lesser Antillean Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family