Bird
Bird
Chapman's Swift
Chaetura chapmani
Chapman's Swift is a fast-flying aerial insectivore of Trinidad's skies, one of several similar small swifts on the island best distinguished from close relatives by call and fine plumage detail rather than a single obvious field mark.
Chapman's Swift is a fast-flying aerial insectivore of Trinidad's skies, one of several similar small swifts on the island best distinguished from close relatives by call and fine plumage detail rather than a single obvious field mark.
Identification
A small swift around 12 to 13 cm long, with sooty-brown plumage overall, a slightly paler rump, and the characteristic stubby, cigar-shaped body and narrow, swept-back wings typical of swifts in the genus Chaetura. It is very similar to several co-occurring swift species and often best identified by range, habitat, and call.
Behaviour
Spends almost its entire life on the wing, feeding on flying insects caught in flight over forest and forest edge, and rarely if ever perches except at the nest or roost. Like other swifts, it roosts and nests in hollow trees or similar vertical cavities, clinging to the inner walls with specially adapted claws.
Status in T&T
Present over forest across Trinidad, generally uncommon and difficult to distinguish from related swift species in flight. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
