
White-throated Swift
White-throated Swift
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The White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) is a spectacular North American swift, known for its incredible speed and acrobatic flight. It is easily recognized by its distinctive white throat, belly, and flank patches contrasting with dark upperparts. These swifts often nest in large colonies on cliff faces.
Where to spot
Found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia south through the western U.S. and into Central America. Look for them soaring over canyons, mountains, cliffs, and sometimes adjacent open plains or urban areas.
How to spot
Identify by its striking plumage pattern: dark body with prominent white throat, belly, and flank patches. Observe its rapid, fluttering wingbeats followed by long glides. Listen for its high-pitched, chattering calls, particularly when flying in noisy flocks around cliff nesting sites.
When to spot
Typically observed from spring through autumn in their breeding grounds, migrating south for winter. Most active during the day, especially mornings and evenings, often seen in large, noisy groups.
Where to spot
Found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia south through the western U.S. and into Central America. Look for them soaring over canyons, mountains, cliffs, and sometimes adjacent open plains or urban areas.
How to spot
Identify by its striking plumage pattern: dark body with prominent white throat, belly, and flank patches. Observe its rapid, fluttering wingbeats followed by long glides. Listen for its high-pitched, chattering calls, particularly when flying in noisy flocks around cliff nesting sites.
When to spot
Typically observed from spring through autumn in their breeding grounds, migrating south for winter. Most active during the day, especially mornings and evenings, often seen in large, noisy groups.
White-throated Swifts are capable of extremely fast and agile flight, often reaching speeds that make them challenging to follow even with binoculars, embodying their scientific name 'saxatalis' referring to rocks or cliffs.
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