The Black Swift, while fascinating in many ways, is poorly studied. The first nest was not found until 1901, and even today very few nesting locations are known. Black Swift nests are generally located either near or behind waterfalls and are therefore very difficult to access for study.
Black Swifts catch their prey in the air, and are known to forage very high up. Their primary food is winged ants. They drink by flying low over water and dipping their bill to the surface.
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Description of the Black Swift
BREEDING MALE
The Black Swift is a fairly large swift with long, narrow wings and a black body. The tail is slightly forked.
Female
Sexes similar.
Seasonal change in appearance
None.
Juvenile
Similar to adults but speckled with white.
Habitat
Open sky in mountainous and coastal areas.
Diet
Insects.
Behavior
Forages by capturing flying insects in midair.
Range
Breeds in parts of western North America and winters in South America.
Fun Facts
Winged ants make a up a significant portion of the Black Swift’s diet.
Flocks of hundreds or thousands of Black Swifts can be seen during migration.
Vocalizations
Quiet chips are only occasionally made.
Nesting
The nest is made of moss, mud, and ferns and is placed in an inaccessible crevice in a cliff, sometimes behind a waterfall.
Number: 1.
Color: White.
Incubation and fledging:
– Young hatch at 24-27 days.
– Young fledge (leave the nest) 45-49 days after hatching.
Bent Life History of the Black Swift