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Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica ORDER: APODIFORMES FAMILY: APODIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A "flying cigar," the Chimney Swift is rarely seen perched. Its high-pitched twittering is a familiar sound during summertime in the city as it flies high above, catching small flying insects.

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Appearance

Swallowlike
Swallowlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small bird.
  • Colored uniformly dark.
  • Body cylindrical.
  • Wings long, pointed, and swept back.

Immature Description

Like adult.

Range Map Help

Chimney Swift Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Only swift commonly found in eastern North America.
  • Swallows have gliding wingbeats, frequently perch on wires (swifts never do), and have noticeable tails.
  • Vaux's Swift of West extremely similar, slightly smaller and with shorter wings, has paler rump and throat, and a sharper and less musical voice.