White-throated Swift
Aeronautes saxatalis
The White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) is a common swift found in 6 countries, weighing about 32 g. The white-throated swift is a swift of the family Apodidae native to western North America, south to cordilleran western Honduras.
About the White-throated Swift
The white-throated swift is a swift of the family Apodidae native to western North America, south to cordilleran western Honduras. Its coastal range extends as far north as Northern California, while inland it has migratory populations found throughout the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions, ranging as far north as southern British Columbia. White-throated swifts are found in open areas near cliffs, rock faces, or man-made structures, where they roost. Swifts are social birds, and groups are often seen roosting and foraging for flying insects together.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-throated swift is medium-sized bird that is primarily black and white. Its back and wings are blackish-brown or black, and its breast, belly, chin, and throat are white. In newly molted adults, the dark feathers may have a slight greenish sheen, though this is rarely observable in the field. Sexes cannot be distinguished by plumage. Juvenile (first basic) plumage is similar to adult (definitive basic) plumage, but with the feathers on juveniles' heads and necks appearing duller and paler. Voice: White-throated swifts make vocalizations while in the air that are described as "staccato chattering", and may also make a sharp one- or two-note call or a shrill drawn-out "scree" call. In the morning and evening, "twittering" sounds may be made at their roost sites. Additionally, juveniles may make begging sounds that are higher-pitched versions of the adult's shrill scree call.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, December, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-throated Swift?
- The white-throated swift is medium-sized bird that is primarily black and white. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-throated Swift?
- The White-throated Swift is a small sized bird weighing about 32 g.
- Where can you see a White-throated Swift?
- The White-throated Swift occurs in 6 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala and Honduras.
- What birds look similar to a White-throated Swift?
- The White-throated Swift is most easily confused with the Andean Swift and the White-tipped Swift.
- Is the White-throated Swift endangered?
- The White-throated Swift is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-throated Swift for real
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