The tepui swift is a species of bird in subfamily Cypseloidinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Highlands (Tepui region)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around tepui massifs in southern and eastern Venezuela, adjacent Guyana, and far northern Brazil (Roraima region). It favors rugged sandstone escarpments, deep gorges, and the skies over montane forests. Nesting typically takes place on vertical cliff faces, sometimes behind waterfalls where constant spray keeps the site moist. Birds forage widely above forest canopies and along ridgelines, often commuting between tepuis and surrounding lowland foothills.
Altitude Range
500–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the dramatic tepui table mountains of the Guiana Highlands, the tepui swift spends nearly all of its life on the wing. It often nests on sheer cliffs and behind waterfalls, where spray keeps nests safe from many predators. Flocks frequently ride updrafts along escarpments and may mix with other large swifts. Its remote habitat means it is seldom seen except near tepui edges and major falls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
powerful flier with long glides and rapid, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small to medium flocks, sometimes associating with other Streptoprocne swifts along cliffs and over valleys. Breeds on sheer rock ledges and behind waterfalls, where pairs adhere simple nests to damp rock. Colonial nesting is common where suitable ledges occur. Outside the breeding season, flocks range widely over tepui summits and adjacent forests.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chips and twittering trills given in flight, often accelerating during chases. Calls carry well over canyons and cliffs but are not musical.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-black to dark chocolate-brown with slightly paler throat and upper breast; wings long and scythe-shaped with a glossy sheen in good light.
Diet
An aerial insectivore that captures flying insects on the wing, including ants, termites, beetles, flies, and small wasps. It forages by coursing along escarpments and over forest canopies, taking advantage of updrafts that concentrate prey. During termite emergences and after storms, feeding activity intensifies with birds gathering in higher numbers. Prey is swallowed in flight and sometimes carried in the throat pouch to nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along cliff lines, above tepui summits, and over adjacent montane and foothill forests. It also works river gorges and waterfall plumes where insect swarms are common.
