Cypseloides niger
The fast-flying Black Swift, the largest of the North American swifts, is very restricted in its mountain breeding range. Only along the steep vertical walls of canyons do small, semi-colonial groups of Black Swifts nest. During pleasant weather, Black Swifts forage very high in the air, while bad weather brings them closer to the ground. Black Swifts might leave their young for many hours while foraging, only returning to their nests with any reliability at dusk. Swifts cast a characteristic boomerang silhouette in flight. They are shaped much like swallows-long, tapering wings, small bills, wide gape and long, sleek bodies-but they are not closely related. The wing beat of swifts only appears to alternate, and it looks uncomfortable because of their stiff, rigid wings. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: black overall; slender, sleek body; white-tipped feathers around the forehead; very small legs. In flight: long, tapering wings angle backward; short, slightly forked tail; rapid wing beat. Size: L 7 in. (18 cm). Range: locally common summer breeder in the Canadian Rockies; locally uncommon breeder in the U.S. Rockies. Habitat: canyons and wet cliffs in the montane. Nesting: semi-colonial; on a canyon ledge, often near a waterfall; nest is made of moss, mud and algae; pair incubates 1 egg for up to 27 days. Feeding: on the wing; eats flying insects, especially stoneflies, caddisflies and mayflies. Voice: high-pitched plik-plik-plik-plik. Similar Species: Vaux's Swift: smaller; lighter overall color. White-throated Swift smaller overall; light patterns on the underparts. |
