Skip to main content

Chimney Swift Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesChimney Swift

  • Chimney Swift

    Small with slender tube-shaped body and very long, narrow, curved wings. Dark gray-brown overall with a slightly paler throat.

    © Peter F / Macaulay LibraryIndiana, August 20, 2020
  • Chimney Swift

    Tube or cigar-shaped body with long curved wings and a short tail. Dark gray-brown overall.

    © Sean Williams / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, June 26, 2018

  • Flies fast, often in loose feeding flocks, with very stiff wingbeats and almost no bend at the wrist. Often gives a chittering call while in flight.

    © Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryArkansas, April 01, 2004
    Not all videos have sound
  • Chimney Swift

    © T. Jay Adams / Macaulay LibraryTexas, May 20, 2020
  • Chimney Swift

    © Caleb Putnam / Macaulay LibraryMichigan, May 09, 2020
  • Chimney Swift

    Does not perch, clings to the walls of chimneys and other vertical surfaces with its tiny feet.

    © David Schrab / Macaulay LibraryWisconsin, July 16, 2017
  • Chimney Swift

    Nests in chimneys and on other vertical surfaces in dim, enclosed areas, including air vents, wells, hollow trees, and caves.

    © Ryan Treves / Macaulay LibraryWisconsin, August 21, 2016
    • Rotate Your Device to Better Compare

    Compare with Similar Species

    Click on an image to compare

    Looking for ID Help?

    Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.

    Try Merlin Bird ID

    Species in This Family

    Swifts(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Apodidae)

    Browse Species in This Family

    More to Read