American Black Swift

Overview

The American black swift, also known simply as the black swift (Cypseloides niger), is a species of bird found from northern British Columbia in Canada through the United States and Mexico to Costa Rica and Brazil. It is also present in the Caribbean and is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• In flight, these birds resemble flying cigars with long, slender, curved wings.
• The plumage is mostly sooty, dark gray, with shoulders that are distinctly darker than other parts of the wing.
• There is some contrast between the inner and outer portions of the wing.
• They possess short tails that are slightly forked.

Habitat

The species ranges from northern British Columbia through the United States and Mexico to Costa Rica and Brazil, with additional populations in the Caribbean. Breeding habitat is frequently associated with water, specifically high cliff faces above ocean surf or behind and next to waterfalls. Fewer than 150 breeding sites are known in the United States and Canada.

Diet

American black swifts forage in flight, living on the wing to catch flying insects, primarily flying ants and beetles. They often forage in small groups.

Did you know?

Nests are constructed from twigs and moss glued together with mud, and ferns or seaweed may also be incorporated. The clutch size is limited to a single egg, with incubation lasting 23 to 27 days.