American Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

VulnerableUncommonInvertebratesForestCup nestSmall · 40 g

About the American Black Swift

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

Regular rangeRare visitor

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

Learn the American Black Swift for real

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