Chaetura egregia
The Pale-rumped Swift, *Chaetura egregia*, is a striking, medium-sized aerial master of South America's tropical lowlands. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length with a wingspan likely around 30-35 cm, its sleek, dark sooty brown plumage is dramatically contrasted by a broad, distinct pale buff to whitish rump, a key identification mark that sets it apart from many congeners. Its throat and upper breast are often subtly scaled or paler, fading into uniform dark underparts and a short, spi...
Found primarily in humid lowland evergreen forests, often near rivers, clearings, or forest edges. They typically inhabit elevations below 1000 meters, preferring areas with tall trees for roosting and nesting.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects caught during continuous aerial pursuit. They are opportunistic foragers, consuming whatever aerial arthropods are available.
Pale-rumped Swifts are highly aerial and diurnal, spending the vast majority of their lives on the wing, foraging and sometimes even sleeping in flight. They are aerial insectivores, continuously hawking for flying insects, often in loose flocks or mixed-species swift aggregations. Little is know...
The Pale-rumped Swift is endemic to South America, primarily inhabiting the southern Amazon basin and the Gran Chaco region. Its breeding range spans across eastern Bolivia, southwestern Brazil (from Mato Grosso to Rondônia), Paraguay, and extends into northern Argentina (Chaco and Formosa provin...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'Chaetura' literally means 'bristle tail,' referring to the stiff, spiny projections at the tips of their tail feathers, which they use to brace themselves against vertical surfaces. - Unlike most birds, swifts cannot perch on branches; instead, they cling vertically to roug...