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The American black swift, or more simply black swift, is a species of bird that is found from northern British Columbia in Canada through the United States and Mexico to Costa Rica and Brazil. They are also found in the Caribbean.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
In flight, these birds resemble flying cigars with long slender curved wings. The plumage is mostly a sooty, dark gray. There is some contrast between the inner and outer portions of the wing. The shoulders are distinctly darker in color than other parts of the wing. They have short tails that are slightly forked.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia, Bermuda, South Africa, Aruba, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin.
When to see it
Peak activity in June · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Spot-fronted SwiftCypseloides cherrieiThe spot-fronted swift is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weighs about 23 g (0.81 oz).
White-chinned SwiftCypseloides cryptusThe white-chinned swift is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs about 35 g (1.2 oz).
Learn the American Black Swift for real
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