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.
Details in the field
Photo gallery
Watch and learn
Videos
Chimney swifts return to Riverside
Credit: Dr. Wayne Wood13 Chimney Swifts Going to Roost and Inside
Credit: DriftwoodWildlife05 Chimney Swift Salivary Arch
Credit: DriftwoodWildlifeChimney Swifts at Temperance Street Elementary School- New Glasgow,Nova Scotia
Credit: AEManthorneWhere it lives
Distribution map
Source legend · original intervals
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Unshaded in source · does not imply absence