Great dusky swift

The great dusky swift is a species of bird in subfamily Cypseloidinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and possibly Bolivia.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Atlantic Forest

Typical Environment

Occurs in southeastern South America, mainly in Brazil, northeastern Argentina (Misiones), eastern Paraguay, and possibly adjacent Bolivia. It favors escarpments, gorges, and moist evergreen forest where large waterfalls provide sheltered, spray-soaked ledges for nesting. Away from breeding sites it forages widely above forest canopies, along rivers, and across adjacent open country. The species is closely tied to waterfall systems but ranges broadly in the surrounding lowlands and foothills.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size19–21 cm

Wing Span45–52 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.07 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This swift famously nests behind large waterfalls such as Iguazu Falls, clinging to perpetually wet rock faces where few predators can reach. It spends most of its life on the wing, catching insects over forests and rivers and only landing to roost or nest. Colonies can number in the hundreds, swirling dramatically through waterfall spray at dawn and dusk.

Gallery

Great dusky swift on nest

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

powerful flier with rapid, stiff wingbeats and short glides

Social Behavior

Breeds colonially on vertical, wet cliffs behind waterfalls, attaching mossy cup nests to the spray-soaked rock. Pairs are monogamous within a season and share incubation and chick rearing. Outside breeding, it gathers in sizable flocks that roost near falls and forage widely over surrounding landscapes.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are high, thin chips and insect-like trills, often given in flight over colonies. Around waterfalls, calls can sound sharp and piercing to cut through the ambient roar.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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