White-chinned Swift

Cypseloides cryptus

Swifts · Apodiformes · Rare

The White-chinned Swift (Cypseloides cryptus) is a rare swift found in 15 countries, weighing about 35 g. The white-chinned swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae.

Least ConcernRareEats invertebratesforestcup nest35 g

About the White-chinned Swift

The white-chinned swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found from Mexico south through most Central America countries into South America as far south as Peru and east as far as Suriname.

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

How to identify it

The white-chinned swift is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs about 35 g (1.2 oz). The sexes are alike. They have a dark brown crown and cheeks, a short white streak above the eye, a white chin, and a dark brown throat. Their back and rump are blackish brown and the wings and tail slightly darker. Their undersides are paler than the back and rump and the underside of the wing is paler than the upper side. Voice: The white-chinned swift's vocalizations have been described as "sharp chips and more melodious chirping notes; also explosive, staccato clicking notes", and they also make "single dry tick notes".

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Guatemala.

When to see it

The White-chinned Swift can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a White-chinned Swift?
The white-chinned swift is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs about 35 g (1.2 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a White-chinned Swift?
The White-chinned Swift is a small sized bird weighing about 35 g.
Where can you see a White-chinned Swift?
The White-chinned Swift occurs in 15 countries, including Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama and Peru.
What birds look similar to a White-chinned Swift?
The White-chinned Swift is most easily confused with the Sooty Swift, the Spot-fronted Swift and the White-chested Swift.
Is the White-chinned Swift endangered?
The White-chinned Swift is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the White-chinned 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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