Chimney Swift Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Chimney Swifts are very small birds with slender bodies and very long, narrow, curved wings. They have round heads, short necks, and short, tapered tails. The wide bill is so short that it is hard to see.

  Relative Size

  About the same size as a Cliff Swallow.

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (17-30 g)
    • Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 in (27-30 cm)

  © Tom Johnson / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  They are dark gray-brown all over, slightly paler on the throat. At distance and when backlit against they sky they can appear to be all black.

• Behavior

  Chimney Swifts fly rapidly with nearly constant wingbeats, and often twist from side to side and bank erratically. Their wingbeats are stiff, with very little flex at the wrists. They often give a high, chattering call while they fly.
• Habitat

  Chimney Swifts nest in chimneys and on other vertical surfaces in dim, enclosed areas, including air vents, wells, hollow trees, and caves. They forage over urban and suburban areas, rivers, lakes, forests, and fields.