Lesser Antillean swift

The Lesser Antillean swift is a species a species of bird in subfamily Apodinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found on Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and possibly Nevis.

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Distribution

Region

Lesser Antilles

Typical Environment

Occurs on several islands of the Lesser Antilles, including Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent, with possible presence on nearby small islands. It forages widely over humid and montane forests, forest edges, agricultural clearings, and coastal cliffs. The species is frequently seen coursing above valleys and ridgelines where updrafts concentrate flying insects. It nests in natural cavities and occasionally in human structures, using saliva to bind nest materials to vertical surfaces.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.012 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small swift spends nearly all of its life on the wing, catching insects in fast, agile flights over forests and coastal areas. Its feet are adapted for clinging rather than walking, so it rarely perches on open surfaces. It often forages in loose flocks and can join mixed-species swift assemblies. By consuming large numbers of aerial insects, it provides valuable natural pest control.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight; agile aerialist

Social Behavior

Often forages in small, loose flocks and may associate with other swift species. Nests are placed in cavities or on sheltered vertical surfaces, constructed with plant fibers and feathers glued with saliva. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and both adults participate in nest construction and care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives high-pitched chips, twitters, and rapid trills while in flight. Vocalizations are sharp and repetitive, used for contact within foraging groups and near nesting sites.

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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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