Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Whatbird.com
Birdman Mel's Backyard Tips
Overview
Black Swift: Large, bulky swift, black overall. Wrist (wing angle) is very close to body. Long, slightly forked tail, often fanned out. It is the largest North American swift. Spends most of its time thousands of feet in the air. It flies on stiff, shallow wingbeats. Soars on thermals and updrafts.
Range and Habitat
Black Swift: Breeds from southern Alaska south to southern California, Montana, and Colorado. Spends winters in the tropics. Preferred habitats include mountains and coastal cliffs.
Topo Map:
Swallow-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"ci-chi-chi-chit"
Interesting Facts
The Black Swift is the largest swift in the U.S. and Canada. Often called the cloud swift, these birds feed on aerial insects and hunt in the rising air masses that sweep large numbers of insects into the sky.
They are thought to winter in South America but the location of its wintering grounds remain a mystery. In general they never occur in very high abundance except occasionally, flocks of thousands have been seen in its British Columbia range.
Breeding Bird Survey trend analysis shows a 6.3% per year decline from 1966-2001. Of major concern is the fact that some of the greatest declines are in its British Columbia breeding range where it has traditionally occurred in highest abundance.
A group of swifts are collectively known as a "box", "flock", "screaming frenzy", and "swoop" of swifts.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Yury Lisyak
.