White-chested Swift
Cypseloides lemosi
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About
A medium-sized swift (14-15 cm) endemic to the upper Cauca Valley of Colombia. Sooty-black plumage with a white breast patch. Aerial insectivore of subtropical forests. Classified as Endangered due to extremely restricted range and ongoing habitat loss.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 30.0 cm | 11.8 in |
| Weight | 28.400000000000002 g | 1.00 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Black upperparts and wings; distinctive large white chest patch contrasting sharply with black throat and belly; white confined to central breast; Colombian endemic with unique bold bicoloured plumage unlike any congener.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Known from Colombia and adjacent Ecuador. One of the world's rarest swifts; recorded at waterfalls in humid forest foothills at 500–1,200 m.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial forager catching small flies, aphids, winged termites, and airborne spiders on the wing.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
High, thin twittering; soft 'tsit' calls in flight; calls over Colombian waterfalls; very poorly known; thin, reedy contact notes; one of most rarely documented swifts
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Cypseloides |
| Species | Cypseloides lemosi |
Distribution
White-chested Swift has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the White-chested Swift eat?
Where does the White-chested Swift live?
Is the White-chested Swift endangered?
What does the White-chested Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the White-chested Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family