Last Updated: December 2, 2009 by Paul Lehman

winter
summer
migration
year round
extralimital range

Range: Ranges from the West Indies and Mexico to Northern Argentina and Bolivia. Casual in North America. Three records from Texas, two records from Florida, and one each from California and Michigan.

Identification: (Streptoprocne zonaris)

A very large, black swift with a distinctive broad white collar. Slightly forked tail. Juveniles are sooty-black overall with white scaling on underparts and a less distinctive white collar. Much larger than the similar Black Swift, which lacks a collar.

Length: 22 (cm) Wingspan: 51 (cm)

Habitat:

Mountainous coniferous forests, open woodlands, and grasslands.

Behavior:

Nests on cliffs, in damp caves, and behind waterfalls. Forms moderately large, loose flocks. Frequently soars and rides thermals.

Feeding:

Feeds on flying insects.

Field Notes

Expanded Life History

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