Birds
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Kerr Dam, Montana 1.jpg

White-throated Swift

White-throated Swift

100
21 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
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.
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Kerr Dam, Montana 1.jpg
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Patagonia Lake, Arizona 1.jpg
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Patagonia Lake, Arizona 2.jpg
File:White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) (6814242474).jpg
File:White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) in flight.jpg
File:White-throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) along the Gardner River (9dda9a73-c9d0-4833-91a2-da338d58ff99).jpg
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Kerr Dam, Montana 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Patagonia Lake, Arizona 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Aeronautes saxatalis, Patagonia Lake, Arizona 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) (6814242474).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) in flight.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White-throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) along the Gardner River (9dda9a73-c9d0-4833-91a2-da338d58ff99).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
1816 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
21 hours ago

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

100

Nyanza Swift

Swifts
huisgierzwaluw in de lucht
95

Little Swift

Swifts
File:Cypseloides cryptus - Paulo Mascaretti - 516283675.jpeg
100

White-chinned Swift

Swifts
File:Aeronautes montivagus 1847.jpg
100

White-tipped Swift

Swifts
100

Satin Swiftlet

Swifts
100

Atiu Swiftlet

Swifts
100

White-rumped Spinetail

Swifts
File:Zoonavena thomensis 469100403.jpg
100

Sao Tome Spinetail

Swifts
100

Malagasy Palm Swift

Swifts
File:Telacanthura ussheri 190401899.jpg
100

Mottled Spinetail

Swifts