Chaetura cinereiventris
The Grey-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventris) is a striking, agile aerial insectivore, typically measuring 10.5-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 18-20 grams. Its sooty black plumage contrasts sharply with its namesake pale grey rump and uppertail coverts, a key field mark distinguishing it from other swift species. This elegant bird exhibits the characteristic cigar-shaped body, long sickle-shaped wings, and a short, square-tipped tail of its genus. Taxonomically, it belongs to the famil...
This species primarily inhabits humid evergreen forests, humid montane forests, and forest borders, thriving from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters. It also adapts to secondary growth, always seeking aerial space above or adjacent to dense tree cover.
The Grey-rumped Swift feeds exclusively on aerial insects, including beetles, flies, ants, termites, bees, and wasps. It captures its prey on the wing, expertly hawking through the air at high speeds.
The Grey-rumped Swift is a diurnal bird, spending the vast majority of its active hours in continuous flight, only settling to roost or nest. They typically roost communally in protected cavities such as hollow trees, caves, or sometimes disused buildings and chimneys, often with other swift spec...
The Grey-rumped Swift boasts a wide and stable resident distribution across the Neotropics, primarily inhabiting Central and northern South America. Its range extends from Honduras and Nicaragua south through Costa Rica and Panama. In South America, it is found extensively across Colombia, Venezu...
Least Concern
- The Grey-rumped Swift, like other true swifts, uses its unique salivary glands to produce a glue-like substance for constructing its nest, cementing twigs to vertical surfaces. - Despite their superficial resemblance, swifts are not closely related to swallows; their similar body shapes are a r...