Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

The Black Swift (Cypseloides niger) is a large, dark-colored swift found in the Americas. These birds are known for their impressive aerial acrobatics and are often seen soaring high above mountainous areas. Black Swifts are adapted for a life spent almost entirely on the wing, with long, slender wings and a distinctive, scythe-shaped silhouette. They nest behind waterfalls and in other remote, inaccessible locations, making them a challenge to study. Their diet consists primarily of flying insects, which they catch in flight. Black Swift populations are declining due to habitat loss and disturbance at nesting sites, and they are considered a species of conservation concern.

Habitat: Mountainous areas