White-chinned Swift

The White-chinned Swift, Cypseloides cryptus, is a swift of modest size, measuring approximately 15 cm in length and weighing around 35 grams. Both sexes share a similar plumage, characterized by a dark brown crown and cheeks, a distinctive short white streak above the eye, and a white chin set against a dark brown throat. The back and rump exhibit a blackish-brown hue, while the wings and tail are a shade darker. The bird's underside is a lighter brown compared to the back, with the underside of the wings being paler than the upper side.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-chinned Swift, look for its white chin, which contrasts with the dark throat, and the white streak above the eye. The overall dark plumage with paler undersides and the swift's characteristic flight silhouette are also key identification features.

Habitat

This species is typically associated with evergreen montane and lowland forests. However, it can also be found over pastures and young secondary forests. Its habitat range extends from sea level up to impressive elevations of 3,000 meters.

Distribution

The White-chinned Swift has a patchy distribution from Mexico, through Central America, and into South America as far south as Peru and east to Suriname. Sightings have been confirmed in Costa Rica and northern Brazil, with vagrant occurrences in French Guiana and sightings in Bolivia.

Behaviour

The behaviour of the White-chinned Swift, particularly regarding its residency or migratory patterns, remains enigmatic.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the White-chinned Swift includes sharp chips, melodious chirping notes, explosive staccato clicking, and single dry tick notes.

Breeding

Breeding data primarily comes from Costa Rica, where the White-chinned Swift lays eggs from early May to early June. Nests are constructed from moss, liverworts, and mud on rock walls near or behind waterfalls, often in crevices or under overhangs with vegetation above. Clutch size is typically one egg, with an incubation period of about 30 days and fledging occurring 55 to 58 days post-hatching. Similar nesting behavior is observed in Brazil, though incubation and fledging durations are not documented.

Similar Species

The White-chinned Swift may be confused with the White-fronted Swift (Cypseloides storeri), Sooty Swift (C. fumigatus), and Rothschild's Swift (C. rothschildi), with which it is sometimes considered conspecific or forming a superspecies.

Diet and Feeding

As an aerial insectivore, the White-chinned Swift captures various flying insects, including Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Homoptera. It often forages in flocks and may be seen with other swift species.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the White-chinned Swift as Least Concern. Despite its widespread range and an estimated population of 20,000 to 50,000 mature individuals, the population is suspected to be in decline. No immediate threats have been identified, but the species is poorly known and confirmed breeding sites are few.