Short-tailed Swift

The Short-tailed Swift, Chaetura brachyura, is a member of the swift family Apodidae. This avian species is characterized by its robust body, long narrow wings, and notably short tail. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a predominantly black plumage that is accented by a pale rump and tail. The bird measures approximately 10.5 cm in length and weighs around 20 grams.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Short-tailed Swift, look for its lack of contrast between the rump and the tail, which is a key distinguishing feature from similar species such as the Band-rumped Swift (C. spinicauda) and the Gray-rumped Swift (C. cinereiventris), which have much darker tails in comparison.

Habitat

The Short-tailed Swift is found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, open woodlands, and areas of cultivation. It is a versatile bird that adapts well to different environments.

Distribution

This swift is commonly found across Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and tropical South America, ranging from Panama to Brazil, including the entire Amazon Basin, with the exception of much of the southeastern Basin. It is typically found at elevations below 800 meters above sea level, although it has been recorded at heights up to 1,300 meters.

Behaviour

The Short-tailed Swift is a highly social bird, often seen in flocks. It is known to form communal roosts when not breeding. There have been suspicions of predation by bats at their nesting sites.

Song & Calls

The flight call of the Short-tailed Swift is a distinctive rapid chittering, described as "sti-sti-stew-stew-stew."

Breeding

Nesting occurs in a variety of vertical surfaces, where a shallow half-saucer of twigs and saliva is constructed. These nests can be found on man-made structures such as chimneys and manholes, as well as in natural settings like caves and tree cavities. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the clutch of up to seven white eggs, typically averaging three or four, for a period of 17 to 18 days. The fledglings leave the nest after about two weeks but remain nearby for an additional fortnight.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Short-tailed Swift consists of flying insects, which it captures in mid-flight. Winged ants and termites are among its preferred prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Short-tailed Swift as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of decline.