Sick's swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It was previously considered conspecific with the smaller ashy-tailed swift, but a study published in 1997 found that Sick's swift was closer to the chimney swift. The English name commemorates the German-born ornithologist Helmut Sick who studied South American birds. It is a migratory species that breeds in central South America and overwinters in northern South America. The IUCN has listed it as being of "Least Concern".
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Sick's swift breeds mainly in south-central South America, including southern and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and adjacent northern Argentina, with occurrences into eastern Bolivia. After breeding, it moves north to winter across the Amazon Basin and into northern South America, including the Guianas and Venezuela. It frequents urban areas, open woodlands, forest edges, and savannas, often foraging high over towns and rivers. Large communal roosts form in chimneys and similar vertical cavities. It is frequently seen over cities during the late afternoon and evening.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the German-Brazilian ornithologist Helmut Sick, this swift often roosts and nests in chimneys and other vertical shafts, much like the North American chimney swift. It breeds in the austral summer in south-central South America and migrates north during the austral winter. Flocks can number in the hundreds over urban areas at dusk. Its separation from the ashy-tailed swift was clarified by studies showing a closer relationship to the chimney swift.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, stiff wingbeats with agile, scything flight; strong flier
Social Behavior
Often forms sizable flocks while foraging and at communal roosts. Nests are built with twigs glued by saliva on vertical surfaces inside chimneys, hollow trees, or similar shafts. Breeding occurs during the austral summer; pairs are monogamous for the season and both parents tend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Gives high-pitched twittering chips and rapid chattering calls in flight. Vocalizations are sharp and repetitive, carrying well over urban noise and open spaces.
