Panyptila cayennensis
The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Panyptila cayennensis, is a striking avian acrobat characterized by its diminutive size and elegant flight. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length with a wingspan around 28-30 cm, it presents a stark contrast of sooty black plumage above and pristine white below. Key identification marks include a prominent white throat patch, a broad white rump band, and a deeply forked, swallow-like tail that gives the species its common name. Taxonomically, it belongs t...
This swift primarily inhabits open areas, forest edges, clearings, and often perches or nests near human structures like buildings or bridges. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of around 1,500-2,000 meters.
The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift feeds exclusively on a variety of small flying insects, which it captures effortlessly while in continuous flight.
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts are quintessential aerial insectivores, spending nearly their entire day in continuous, agile flight. They are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, returning to roost in their unique pendulous nests or suitable cavities at night. Foraging involves incessant hawking of s...
The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift boasts a wide and largely continuous distribution throughout the Neotropics, extending from southern Mexico south through Central America and across much of northern South America. Its range encompasses countries such as Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cost...
Least Concern
- The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift is the smallest swift in its genus, *Panyptila*. - It constructs one of the most remarkable nests in the avian world: a unique, elongated, hanging "sock" made from plant material and feathers, glued together with its own saliva. - These incredible nests can grow ...