White-throated Swift Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesWhite-throated Swift
Larger-bodied swift with a long tail and long, arched wings. Note white throat, chest, and sides of rump.
© Jonathan Eckerson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 10, 2020Chunky, tube-shaped swift with a long tail and wings. The throat, chest, and sides of the rump are white.
© Carter Gasiorowski / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, September 07, 2020Fast moving swift that flies on stiff, arched wings. Found near cliffs and canyon as well as human-made structures such as freeway overpasses, and bridges.
© Gregory Griffith / Macaulay LibraryColorado, July 01, 1992Not all videos have sound
Fast flying and acrobatic swift with a white throat and chest.
© Bob Walker / Macaulay LibraryNew Mexico, August 07, 2019© Matthew Grube / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 21, 2018
© Janine Schutt / Macaulay LibraryWashington, May 21, 2017
Nests and roosts in crevices in cliffs, canyon walls, and large rocks as well as human-made structures such as freeway overpasses, and bridges.
© Bill Maynard / Macaulay LibraryColorado, September 22, 2014Similar SpeciesBlack Swift
Adult/immature
Black Swifts are entirely blackish below and do not have a white throat and chest like White-throated Swifts. They also have a shorter tail than White-throated Swifts.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 24, 2010Similar SpeciesViolet-green Swallow
Adult male
Swallows have shorter, less curved and more triangular-shaped wings than swifts. Violet-green Swallows have entirely white underparts while White-throated Swifts have dark bellies.
© Jason B Bidgood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, April 30, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Species in This Family
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