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Vaux's Swift Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesVaux's Swift

  • Vaux's Swift

    Small with a tube or cigar-shaped body, long, arched wings, and a short tail. Brownish overall with a paler chest and slightly paler rump.

    © Joachim Bertrands / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 03, 2018
  • Vaux's Swift

    Small with a tube or cigar-shaped body, long, arched wings, and a short tail. Brownish overall with a paler chest and slightly paler rump.

    © Steve Kolbe / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 26, 2015

  • Flock

    Roosts in groups (sometimes very large groups) in chimneys, hollowed-out standing trees and other vertical openings. At dusk, swirling masses collect as the birds prepare to go inside.

    © Tom Johnson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 08, 2014
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  • Vaux's Swift

    © Marky Mutchler / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, January 12, 2021
  • Vaux's Swift

    © Marky Mutchler / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, November 22, 2018
  • Vaux's Swift

    Nests and roosts in hollow trees in evergreen or mixed forests as well as chimneys, especially during migration where thousands of Vaux's Swifts will funnel into a chimney for the night.

    © Sharyn Isom / Macaulay LibraryOregon, September 26, 2019
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    Species in This Family

    Swifts(Order: Caprimulgiformes, Family: Apodidae)

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