Rothschild's Swift
Cypseloides rothschildi
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The Rothschild's Swift (Cypseloides rothschildi) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 30.6 cm and a weight of 43 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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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.
countries highlighted
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?
How big is the Rothschild's Swift?
What order and family does the Rothschild's Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family