Bird
Bird
Band-rumped Swift
Chaetura spinicauda
The Band-rumped Swift is a small aerial insectivore of Trinidad's forest airspace, another member of the Chaetura swift group most reliably told apart from close relatives by subtle rump colouration and range.
The Band-rumped Swift is a small aerial insectivore of Trinidad's forest airspace, another member of the Chaetura swift group most reliably told apart from close relatives by subtle rump colouration and range.
Identification
A small swift around 10 to 11 cm long, dark sooty-brown overall with a paler brownish band across the rump, less contrasting than in some related species. Its silhouette, with stiff, bowed wings and a stubby body, is typical of the genus.
Behaviour
Feeds entirely on the wing over forest and forest edge, taking flying insects, and rarely perches except at roost sites in hollow trees or similar cavities. It is frequently seen in mixed flocks with other small swifts, making species-level identification challenging without a clear view.
Status in T&T
Present over forest across Trinidad, generally uncommon. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
