General

Vaux's Swift: Small swift with gray-brown body, sometimes highlighted by a slight green iridescence. Rump is pale brown and throat and breast are nearly white. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Vaux's Swift: Breeds from southeastern Alaska and western Montana to northern California. Spends winters in the tropics from southern Mexico to regions south. Preferred habitats include old growth coniferous or deciduous forests consisting of coniferous and deciduous vegetation; requires large, hollow trees for nesting.

Breeding and Nesting

Vaux's Swift: Three to six white eggs are laid in a nest made of small sticks cemented together with saliva and attached to the inside surface of a hollow tree. Incubation ranges from 18 to 20 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Vaux's Swift: Eats insects and spiders; forages in flight.

Vocalization

Vaux's Swift: Song is a bat-like chipping.

Similar Species

Vaux's Swift: Black-and-white-throated Swift has forked tail. Chimney Swift is larger with longer wings, darker rump and throat, and a different call.