The white-throated swift is a swift of the family Apodidae native to western North America, south to cordilleran western Honduras. Its coastal range extends as far north as Northern California, while inland it has migratory populations found throughout the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions, ranging as far north as southern British Columbia. White-throated swifts are found in open areas near cliffs, rock faces, or man-made structures, where they roost. Swifts are social birds, and groups are often seen roosting and foraging for flying insects together.
Region
Western North America to western Honduras
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and inland western North America south through the Rockies and Sierra Madre into western Honduras. Prefers open skies adjacent to cliffs, canyons, rock outcrops, and steep coastal bluffs, and readily uses tall man-made structures for roosting. Forages high over ridgelines, gorges, and open country, often descending to feed over rivers, lakes, and towns. Breeds in crevices and holes on sheer rock faces or structures, typically away from vegetation and ground predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
White-throated Swifts are cliff specialists that often adapt to man-made structures like highway overpasses for roosting and nesting. Like other swifts, they have pamprodactyl feet that help them cling to vertical surfaces but make perching on horizontal branches difficult. They feed exclusively on the wing and can drink by skimming the surface of water while flying. Their tight, high-speed flocks are a hallmark over western canyons and rock faces.
White-throated swifts flying near cliff habitat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
very fast and agile with rapid wingbeats and long, scything glides
Social Behavior
Often forms noisy foraging flocks and communal roosts on cliffs or large structures. Breeds in loose colonies, with pairs nesting in crevices and returning to traditional sites annually. Nests are placed deep in cracks and ledges, helping reduce predation and exposure.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives high, thin twitters and chittering trills during flight. Vocalizations are rapid and buzzy, carrying well over canyon walls and open spaces.
