Chaetura spinicaudus
The Band-rumped Swift (Chaetura spinicaudus) is a captivating neotropical swift, renowned for its continuous, agile flight and distinctive appearance. Measuring 10.5 to 12 cm in length and weighing 12-25 grams, it possesses a sleek, cigar-shaped body with long, narrow wings typical of its genus. Its plumage is primarily sooty black, contrasting sharply with a pale greyish-white rump and upper tail coverts, which extends to a dusky vent, serving as its most prominent field mark. This species, ...
Primarily inhabits humid lowlands, found in open country near forests, forest edges, clearings, river systems, and even suburban areas, typically at elevations up to 1500 meters.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects caught on the wing during continuous aerial foraging.
Band-rumped Swifts are highly aerial and diurnal, spending the vast majority of their lives in flight. They forage continuously throughout the day, often in large, fast-moving flocks, sometimes mixed with other swift species. Roosting occurs communally in sheltered locations such as hollow trees,...
The Band-rumped Swift boasts an extensive distribution across Central and South America, primarily as a resident species. Its range extends from southern Mexico through Central America, encompassing countries like Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South America, i...
Least Concern
- The 'spinicaudus' in its scientific name directly translates to 'spiny tail,' referring to its stiff, projecting tail feathers used for bracing against surfaces. - Unlike most birds, swifts do not perch horizontally; they cling vertically due to their small feet being adapted for grasping rathe...