Rothschild's Swift
Cypseloides rothschildi
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About
A medium-sized swift (15-16 cm) found in montane forests of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia at 1,000-3,000 m elevation. Dark sooty plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forested valleys. Nests behind waterfalls. Uncommon and local; named after Walter Rothschild.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 30.6 cm | 12.0 in |
| Weight | 43.0 g | 1.52 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Blackish-brown overall with subtle pale scaling on throat and forehead; underparts slightly paler brownish; no contrasting white markings; robust-bodied Andean swift distinguished from Sooty Swift by faint pale throat scaling.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the Andes of northwestern Argentina and adjacent Bolivia at 1,500–3,000 m. Very poorly known; nests near waterfalls in humid forest.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore feeding on swarms of small flies, winged ants, and tiny beetles during sustained flight.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Thin, buzzy twittering in flight; soft 'tsee-tsee' contact notes; calls over Andean waterfalls; quiet and unobtrusive vocally; high-pitched but weak; rarely heard
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Cypseloides |
| Species | Cypseloides rothschildi |
Distribution
Rothschild's Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rothschild's Swift eat?
Where does the Rothschild's Swift live?
Is the Rothschild's Swift endangered?
What does the Rothschild's Swift sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family