Glendale Junction, Los Angeles, CA, US - August 22, 2012
Credit: Tom Benson

North American field guide

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Identification

Field notes

13-15 cm (5-6") Common. Eastern North America. During migration, large flocks may be seen swirling over chimneys or steeples before funneling into them at dusk. In flight; stubby dark brownish-gray body appears black; long, thin, pointed wings; short square tail.

Small cigar-shaped bird seen flapping and soaring as it catches flying insects overhead cities, towns, and open countryside.

Song: noisy series of chipping notes.

Watch and learn

Videos

4 videos

Where it lives

Distribution map

Source legend · original intervals

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Unshaded in source · does not imply absence