The Costa Rican swift is a species of bird in subfamily Apodinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Found primarily from lowlands to foothills on both Caribbean and Pacific slopes of Costa Rica and into western Panama. It favors areas with a mosaic of humid forest, forest edges, riparian corridors, and open pastures where aerial insect swarms form. Frequently forages above rivers and over forest canopies, sometimes ranging over towns and agricultural land. Roosting and nesting occur in natural cavities such as hollow trees and occasionally human-made structures.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small swift is endemic to the isthmus region, occurring only in Costa Rica and western Panama. It spends nearly all of its life on the wing, drinking and feeding in flight and landing only to roost or nest in cavities. It often forages in mixed-species flocks of swifts, making identification by behavior and shape as important as plumage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, with rapid stiff wingbeats and agile, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small to medium aerial flocks, often mixing with other swift species. Nests in colonies or small groups in cavities, using twigs and plant fibers glued with saliva. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched twittering and dry chittering notes while in flight. Calls are rapid and insect-like, often exchanged among flock members during aerial foraging.
