Great Dusky Swift
Cypseloides senex
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About
A large swift (18-20 cm) of southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Dark sooty-brown plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forested gorges and waterfalls. Nests in large colonies behind waterfalls. The largest member of the genus Cypseloides.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33.8 cm | 13.3 in |
| Weight | 83.0 g | 2.93 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Very large; entirely dark sooty-brown with pale grey forehead and chin scaling; slightly paler underparts; broad wings; largest Cypseloides swift; South American waterfall specialist with dusky uniform plumage and imposing size.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in eastern South America from Venezuela and the Guianas south to Bolivia and Paraguay. Resident near rocky cliffs and waterfalls.
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: CR.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Loud, churring trill; harsher and louder than other Cypseloides; calls over Iguacu Falls and major Neotropical waterfalls; buzzy 'bzzzt-bzzzt' in aerial groups
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Cypseloides |
| Species | Cypseloides senex |
Distribution
Great Dusky Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Great Dusky Swift eat?
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Is the Great Dusky Swift endangered?
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What does the Great Dusky Swift sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family