- Cypseloides fumigatus
Identification
With 15cm a medium sized Swift, very similar to Rothschild's Swift.
- Long wings
- Plumage sooty black-brown, forehead sometimes paler
- Short, square tail
- In hand separable from Rothschild's Swift by stiff tail with protruding and stiffened feather shafts
Distribution
Found in South America. There in NW Argentina, E Bolivia (Santa Cruz), SE Brazil and E Paraguay (Oriente).
Presumed to be overlooked in the past due to identification problems. Not globally threatened.
Taxonomy
Forms a superspecies with White-chested Swift, Rothschild's Swift and Black Swift. By some authorities considered to be conspecific with Rothschild's Swift and/or White-chinned Swift.
Monotypic.
Habitat
Temperate and moist lowland forests and moist montanes also secondary-growth scrub. Usually near waterfalls and found in any habitat near them.
Behaviour
Foraging in small groups, often associated with other Swifts. Takes insects in flight.
May breed in October and November. Builds conical nest on canyon walls, using moss, pebbles and mud. Lays one egg.
Resident. Birds in Paraguay may be partially migratory.
