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The sooty swift is a species of bird in subfamily Cypseloidinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The sooty swift is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Males weigh about 42 g (1.5 oz) and females about 41 g (1.4 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a brown head, a black patch around the eye, and lighter brown forehead and cheeks. Their back is a darker brown than the head. The upper side of their tail is brown and the underside a grayer brown. The upper side of the wing is mostly blackish brown and the underside somewhat lighter. Juveniles have some gray fringing on the body and wings but are otherwise like adults. Voice: The sooty swift's flight calls have been described as "a rapid, rattling ti-i-i-i-a-a-a, as well as tiju-tiju and a weak sip or sip-sip."
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
White-chinned SwiftCypseloides cryptusThe white-chinned swift is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs about 35 g (1.2 oz).
White-chested SwiftCypseloides lemosiThe white-chested swift is 14 to 15 cm (5.5 to 5.9 in) long and weighs about 28 g (0.99 oz).
Spot-fronted SwiftCypseloides cherrieiThe spot-fronted swift is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long and weighs about 23 g (0.81 oz).
Learn the Sooty Swift for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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