Bird Guide

Biscutate Swift

Streptoprocne biscutata

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestCup nestMedium · 96 g

About the Biscutate Swift

The biscutate swift is a species of bird in subfamily Cypseloidinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and possibly Paraguay.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The biscutate swift is about 22 cm (8.7 in) long and weighs about 115 g (4.1 oz). It has an almost square tail and the sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a sooty brown head that is lighter on the forehead, chin, and around the eyes. Their body is sooty blackish brown except for a wide white band across the breast and a narrow white band on the nape and somewhat on the sides of the neck; the bands do not meet. The wing and tail feathers are blackish on their outer webs and pale gray brown on the inner ones. Voice: The biscutate swift's principal vocalization is described as "chee chee chee chee chee..." or "weep-weep-weep".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Biscutate Swift lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Argentina.

When to see the Biscutate Swift

Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Biscutate Swift in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.