Bird
Bird
Chestnut-collared Swift
Streptoprocne rutila
The Chestnut-collared Swift is a striking swift of Trinidad's hill forest, males showing a bright chestnut collar around an otherwise blackish body, closely related to the larger White-collared Swift already familiar on the island.
The Chestnut-collared Swift is a striking swift of Trinidad's hill forest, males showing a bright chestnut collar around an otherwise blackish body, closely related to the larger White-collared Swift already familiar on the island.
Identification
A medium-sized swift around 13 to 15 cm long, glossy blue-black overall with males showing a bright chestnut-rufous collar around the neck; females and immatures show a duller, less complete collar. Its build and flight style closely resemble the larger White-collared Swift, though it is noticeably smaller.
Behaviour
Forages on the wing over hill forest and forested ridges for flying insects, often in mixed flocks with White-collared Swifts. It nests colonially on damp cliff faces, often behind or near waterfalls, in wet montane habitat.
Status in T&T
Present over hill forest in Trinidad's Northern Range, generally uncommon. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
