Biscutate Swift
Streptoprocne biscutata
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="streptoprocne-biscutata"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/streptoprocne-biscutata/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/streptoprocne-biscutata/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/streptoprocne-biscutata/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="streptoprocne-biscutata"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large swift (19-21 cm) similar to White-collared Swift but with two separated white breast patches. Found in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forested gorges. Nests behind waterfalls in large colonies.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 38.4 cm | 15.1 in |
| Weight | 106.67999999999999 g | 3.76 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large; blackish-brown with white collar interrupted at centre of nape creating two white patches rather than a complete ring; South American species readily distinguished from White-collared Swift by broken collar pattern.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay in eastern South America. Resident in forest and open terrain; nests on rock faces.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial forager on tiny insects and wind-dispersed spiders; forages near water surfaces where insects concentrate.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 24 days. Fledging: 13-33 days.
Clutch Size
1-4
Sound
Song
Loud, screeching trill; powerful 'schreeee' calls; similar to White-collared Swift but slightly lower; calls in large flocks over Brazilian mountains and waterfalls
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Streptoprocne |
| Species | Streptoprocne biscutata |
Distribution
Biscutate Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
{# Distribution Map — simplified SVG world map with highlighted countries. Expects `country_codes` variable: list of ISO alpha-2 codes (e.g. ["US", "CA", "MX"]). Uses Alpine.js to toggle classes on country paths. #}countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Biscutate Swift eat?
Where does the Biscutate Swift live?
Is the Biscutate Swift endangered?
How does the Biscutate Swift nest?
What does the Biscutate Swift sound like?
How big is the Biscutate Swift?
What order and family does the Biscutate Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family