Skip to Content

All About Birds

Donate

All About Birds

Birds
Live Cams
Courses
Bird ID

Chimney Swift

Overview
ID Info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Chimney Swift Range Map

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Range Map
Sightings Map

Range Map for Chimney Swift

Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding

Migration

Long-distance migrant. Chimney Swifts migrate to South America each winter flying across the Gulf of Mexico or skirting it along the Texas coast (a route they’re more likely to take in spring than fall). Many swifts use one of three distinct flyways: the Atlantic coast, the east side of the Appalachians, and the Mississippi River. They fly high in the sky during the day and roost in chimneys at night.

Map data are provided by NatureServe in collaboration with Robert Ridgely, James Zook, The Nature Conservancy - Migratory Bird Program, Conservation International - CABS, World Wildlife Fund - US, and Environment Canada - WILDSPACE.

Learn more at Birds of the World

Compare with Similar Species

Click on an image to compare

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Looking for ID Help?

Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds.

Try Merlin Bird ID

Species in This Family

Swifts(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Apodidae)

White-throated Swift

Browse Species in This Family

More to Read

I found a pigeon or dove that seems tame and has colored bands on its legs. What should I do?
Living Bird Magazine
Learn How to ID These 5 Confusing Streaked Sparrows
Bird Cams
Bird Cams FAQ: Red-tailed Hawk Nest

Bird Academy
Bird Song Hero
Living Bird Magazine
Analysis: The Economic Value of Birds
eBird
eBird: Help & FAQ

About Us

Contact Us

Copyright © 2019 Cornell University

Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin

New call-to-action

Do not show this again

Search

Or Browse Bird Guide by Family or Shape

Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin

Don't miss a thing! Join our email list

The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.