Great Swallow-tailed Swift

The great swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila sanctihieronymi, is a striking bird with a distinctive silhouette. It measures between 18 to 20.5 cm in length and weighs approximately 48 grams. This species boasts long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail, which contribute to its elegant flight. Both sexes present a similar appearance, with a black crown and upper face, accented by two white spots on the forehead. The plumage is predominantly bluish-black, with a contrasting white lower face, throat, collar, upper chest, and flanks. The flight feathers are tipped with grayish ends and white, adding a subtle but noticeable detail to the bird's overall dark coloration.

Identification Tips

When observing the great swallow-tailed swift, look for its long, slender wings and deeply forked tail, which are key characteristics. The bird's black and white coloration, with white spots on the forehead, is also distinctive. In flight, the white tips on the flight feathers can be a helpful identification marker.

Habitat

This swift favors arid to semi-arid highland regions, where it can be found soaring above canyons and large cliffs. It typically resides at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, although it may occasionally venture into more humid areas as low as 600 meters.

Distribution

The great swallow-tailed swift's range extends from Nayarit in western Mexico, through Guatemala and Honduras, and into northern Nicaragua. There are sporadic sightings in Costa Rica, indicating some movement within its range.

Behaviour

This swift is generally a permanent resident within its range, but some individuals are known to wander to Costa Rica outside of the breeding season. It is often seen foraging alone or in small groups of its own kind.

Song & calls

The vocal repertoire of the great swallow-tailed swift includes a plaintive, subtly bisyllabic "teeuw, teeuw" and a reedy chatter that can be described as "kri-kri-kri-kri-kreeuw-kreee."

Breeding

The breeding habits of the great swallow-tailed swift involve constructing a tubular nest from seed fluff and feathers, bound together with saliva. The nest, which is about 40 to 60 cm long, hangs from the underside of an overhanging rock, with an entrance near the bottom and a shelf towards the top to hold the eggs. While the exact clutch size is unknown, it is suspected to mirror the two or three eggs typical of the lesser swallow-tailed swift.

Diet and Feeding

As an aerial insectivore, the great swallow-tailed swift captures its prey on the wing. Specific details of its diet are not well-documented, but it is known to forage alone or in small flocks.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the great swallow-tailed swift as Least Concern. It has a broad range and an estimated population of 20,000 to 50,000 mature individuals, which is believed to be in decline. However, no immediate threats have been identified. While considered one of the rarer swifts by some, it appears to be common in areas like Honduras.