The lesser swallow-tailed swift or Cayenne swift is a species of bird in subfamily Apodinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found from southern Mexico through Central America; in every mainland South America country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay; and on Trinidad.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America, across much of northern and central South America, and on Trinidad. It favors humid lowland and foothill forests, river corridors, forest edges, and clearings. Frequently forages over the canopy and above open water, and roosts or nests on cliffs, in caves, or under rock overhangs. It is generally absent from the driest open habitats but can pass over human-modified areas while foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cayenne Swift, this species is a sleek aerial insectivore with a dramatically forked tail. It often flies in pairs or small groups high over forests and along rivers. Its delicate pouch-like nest is glued to vertical rock faces or cave walls using saliva and lined with plant down and feathers. Despite the name, it is a swift, not a swallow.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flight with rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes in loose associations with other swift species. Nests singly or in small colonies on vertical rock faces, in caves, or under overhangs. The nest is a delicate hanging pouch made of plant down and feathers bound with saliva; both sexes participate in construction and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and sharp chips given in rapid series, mostly in flight. Vocalizations can intensify during aerial chases near nesting sites.
