Fork-tailed Palm Swift

Overview

The fork-tailed palm swift (Tachornis squamata) is a small bird in the swift family Apodidae. It is found across most of northern South America and on Trinidad and Tobago.

Identification

• Approximately 13 cm long with long narrow wings and a long, deeply forked tail.
• Plumage: Blackish brown upperparts with a slight greenish gloss and pale gray edges; underparts are pale with light brown mottling, featuring a very pale brownish white throat with dusky mottling.
• Voice: Flight calls described as "a trilling trrrrreeeee", "a buzzy d-z-z-z-z-z", or "a thin buzz, bzzzzzzz bzz bzzzzzz".

Habitat

This lowland species inhabits a variety of landscapes that feature palm trees, especially moriche palms. It is found in moist and wet savannas, palm swamps, riparian forest, and even urban areas, reaching a maximum elevation of about 1,000 m.

Diet

As an aerial insectivore, it forages in small flocks of up to 10 birds. Its diet is highly varied, encompassing insects from at least nine orders, though in some areas it consists almost entirely of ants and termites.

Did you know?

The bird constructs its nest by collecting feathers pulled from birds in flight, targeting species such as pigeons and parrots. These feathers are bound with saliva to form a clump that hangs from a dangling dead palm frond.