Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

The Chimney Swift is a small, highly aerial bird with a distinctive cigar-shaped body and long, narrow wings. It is known for its rapid, erratic flight pattern and its habit of nesting in chimneys and other vertical structures. Chimney Swifts feed on flying insects, catching them in mid-air using their wide, gaping mouths. Their high-pitched, chattering calls are often heard as they forage for food. These birds are highly migratory, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. Chimney Swift populations have declined due to habitat loss, particularly the loss of suitable nesting sites. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and provide artificial nesting structures for these fascinating birds.

Habitat: Nests in chimneys, caves, and other vertical structures