Birds
File:Chaetura brachyura - Short-tailed Swift.JPG

Short-tailed Swift

Short-tailed Swift

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Short-tailed Swift (*Chaetura brachyura*) is a small swift widespread across Central and South America. It is instantly recognizable by its extremely short tail, giving it a distinctive blunt-ended appearance in flight.
Where to spot
Widespread from southern Mexico through Central America, and across much of tropical South America, including the Amazon basin.
How to spot
Look for very small, dark, fast-flying swifts. Focus on their silhouette: the lack of a prominent tail is the primary identification clue, making them appear like a 'flying potato' or 'cigar'.
When to spot
Year-round in its tropical resident range. Most active during daylight hours, often foraging over forests, rivers, and clearings.
File:Chaetura brachyura - Short-tailed Swift.JPG
File:Chaetura brachyura - Short-tailed Swift.JPG
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Its exceptionally short tail is unique among swifts, making it look almost 'tailless' and easily distinguishable even at a distance when observed well.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Aerodramus pelewensis imported from iNaturalist photo 39850526 on 14 January 2020.jpg
100

Palau Swiftlet

Swifts
File:Dark-rumped Swift (Apus acuticauda).jpg
100

Dark-rumped Swift

Swifts
File:Apus balstoni - Nigel Voaden - 3819422.jpeg
100

Malagasy Swift

Swifts
File:Cypsiurus parvus in flight.jpg
100

African Palm Swift

Swifts
File:Chaetura chapmani Chapman's Swift; Ramal do Noca, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil.jpg
100

Chapman's Swift

Swifts
File:Cave Swiftlet (Collocalia linchi).jpg
100

Cave Swiftlet

Swifts
File:AerodramusFuciphagus.LipKee (cropped).jpg
100

White-nest Swiftlet

Swifts
File:Aerodramus vulcanorum - Forest Botial-Jarvis - 313036518.jpeg
100

Volcano Swiftlet

Swifts
File:ApusHorus RobertWienand.jpg
100

Horus Swift

Swifts
File:Neafrapus cassini.jpg
100

Cassin's Spinetail

Swifts