Bird GuideSwiftsWhite-collared Swift
White-collared Swift
Streptoprocne zonaris

At a Glance

This big swift is common and widespread in the American tropics, where it is often seen in large, noisy flocks over any kind of terrain. Stray individuals have wandered north of the Mexican border on several occasions, appearing at various points along the Gulf Coast and at scattered other locations from California to Michigan and Ontario.
Category
Swallow-like Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Fields, Meadows, and Grasslands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Behavior
Flap/Glide

Range & Identification

Description

9 1/2" (22 cm). A very large swift with a fairly long, forked tail. Black all over with a distinct white collar, duller on immatures.
Wing Shape
Long, Narrow, Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Forked, Notched

Songs and Calls

Twittering, scratchy “chee, chee, chee”.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status