The grey-rumped swift or gray-rumped swift is a species of bird in subfamily Apodinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama; in every mainland South American country except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay; in Trinidad and Tobago; and on Grenada.
Region
Central and South America, including parts of the Caribbean
Typical Environment
This species ranges from southern Central America through much of mainland South America, and occurs on Trinidad, Tobago, and Grenada. It frequents lowland and foothill zones, commonly over forest edges, second-growth, rivers, and open country, and it also hunts above towns and agricultural areas. It is most often seen high in the air column but will descend over watercourses and clearings during insect hatches. It tolerates human-altered landscapes and often occurs near storm fronts where aerial insects concentrate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-rumped swift is a small, fast-flying neotropical swift recognized by its contrasting pale gray rump against otherwise dark plumage. It spends most of its life on the wing, catching tiny flying insects high over forests, rivers, and towns. It often forages in loose mixed-species swifts-and-swallows flocks and readily uses natural cavities or human structures for nesting.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats; often wheels and darts high overhead
Social Behavior
Commonly forms loose flocks, sometimes mixing with other swifts and swallows while foraging. Pairs nest in cavities in trees, cliffs, or human structures, attaching small twiggy nests with saliva. Breeding is typically in small colonies or scattered pairs, and adults share incubation and chick feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, dry chips and rapid twittering trills exchanged in flight. Calls can become a chattering series when birds are in excited flocks near feeding swarms or nest sites.
