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] Distribution

Patchily distributed in Northern South America. Found in NC and SW Colombia, Costa Rica (Cordillera Central), N Ecuador, and N Venezuela.
A rare Swift, but thought to be not globally threatened. Despite the few sightings, this species may be more abundant and widespread than it seems.

[edit] Taxonomy

A monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Montane evergreen forest. Not recorded elsewhere. Usually in deep gorges in Costa Rica.

[edit] Behaviour

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. 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] External Links