Aeronautes saxatalis
The White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) is a master of aerial acrobatics, a striking avian spectacle of Western North America. Measuring 16-18 cm (6-7 in) in length with a formidable wingspan of 38-40 cm (15-16 in) and weighing 28-36 g (1-1.3 oz), its sleek, torpedo-shaped body is primarily sooty black, starkly contrasted by a brilliant white throat, breast, and belly, with white patches extending onto the flanks and secondary feathers. Its distinctive, long, scythe-like wings beat ra...
Exclusively found in arid to semi-arid regions characterized by towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rocky outcrops, from low-lying deserts up to montane elevations of 4,000 meters (13,000 ft).
Strictly insectivorous, feeding primarily on aerial insects such as flies, beetles, bees, wasps, and true bugs, captured on the wing at high altitudes.
White-throated Swifts are highly diurnal, spending nearly their entire day in the air, often in large, boisterous flocks, only settling to roost communally in inaccessible cliff crevices or caves. Their foraging strategy is a marvel of aerial pursuit, capturing insects on the wing with astounding...
The White-throated Swift exhibits a wide distribution across western North America, primarily breeding from south-central British Columbia, Canada, south through the western United States, including states like Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, and e...
Least Concern
- The White-throated Swift can reach speeds estimated at over 100 mph (160 km/h) in level flight, making it one of the fastest birds in North America. - They spend virtually their entire lives in the air, even mating and collecting nesting materials while in flight; they only land to incubate egg...