From Opus

Cypseloides cherriei

[edit] Identification

A relatively small Swift (14cm)

• Blackish plumage
• Distinctive head pattern: white supraloral patch, post-ocular streak and pale fringes over eye-patch
• Short, square tail
• Relatively short wings

[edit] Similar Species

Very difficult to distinguish from White-chinned Swift, but possible if seen well.

[edit] Distribution

Central America: seemingly limited to Costa Rica where traditionally expected on the Pacific slope from the Central Valley to the Panama border; however, recently seen with some regularity by La Selva (2-300 m asl) near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí on the Caribbean side.
Patchily distributed in Northern South America: found in NC and SW Colombia, N Ecuador, and N Venezuela.
A rare Swift, but not thought to be globally threatened. Despite the few sightings, this species may be more abundant and widespread than it seems.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

[edit] Habitat

Lowland to mid elevation. In South America reported as liking wet forest in mountains, especially if including ravines. In Costa Rica also often in lower elevation

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Diet

Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Usually seen single or in pairs, often associated with Chestnut-collared Swift but also in flocks with other Swifts.

[edit] Breeding

Nesting recorded from May to August, varying with rainfall. Takes different nest sites but usually cliffs with overhang. Form of nest and material also varying, usually a cup or half-cup, made with moss, liverworts, leaves or/and ferns and mud. Lays one egg.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
2. Restall et al. 2006. Birds of Northern South America. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300124156
3. Garrigues and Dean 2007. The birds of Costa Rica - a field guide. Cornell University Press. ISBN 978-0-8014-7373-9
4. Birdforum member personal observation

• List of references

[edit] External Links