Band-rumped Swift
Chaetura spinicaudus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="chaetura-spinicaudus"></birdfyi-bird>The Band-rumped Swift (Chaetura spinicaudus) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 20.7 cm and a weight of 16.4 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small swift (11 cm) of lowland forests from Costa Rica to Brazil. Dark plumage with a conspicuous pale rump band. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, foraging in flocks over forest canopy. Often seen near rivers and forest edges. Nests in hollow trees.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 20.7 cm | 8.1 in |
| Weight | 16.4 g | 0.58 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; sooty-brown overall with narrow pale grey-white rump band forming a distinct narrow transverse stripe; underparts dark grey-brown; short spiny tail; Amazonian species distinguished by the band-like narrow rump patch.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Panama and northwestern South America from Colombia east to Venezuela and the Guianas, south to Brazil and Bolivia. Lowland forest.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on aerial plankton of tiny insects and spiders; entire diet captured during non-stop aerial foraging.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV.
Sound
Song
Raspy, churring call with hollow resonance; rough bursts of chattering notes interrupted by brief mechanical clicking sounds.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Chaetura |
| Species | Chaetura spinicaudus |
Distribution
Band-rumped Swift has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Band-rumped Swift eat?
Where does the Band-rumped Swift live?
Is the Band-rumped Swift endangered?
How does the Band-rumped Swift nest?
What does the Band-rumped Swift sound like?
How big is the Band-rumped Swift?
What order and family does the Band-rumped Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family