White-throated Swift

The White-throated Swift is a striking, boldly patterned swift of rugged western terrain, black above and along the flanks with a crisp white throat, central breast, and belly forming a bright stripe down the underside. The tail is long and can appear pointed or slightly forked depending on how it's held. It is a larger, faster-flying swift than either Chimney or Vaux's Swift.

True to its aerial lifestyle, it nests in narrow cliff crevices and is often seen dashing along canyon walls and cliff faces at remarkable speed, sometimes in pairs performing spectacular high-speed chases.

Key field marks

• Bold black-and-white pattern: black upperparts and flanks, white throat/central underside
• Long, pointed or slightly forked tail
• Fast, direct flight with stiff, rapid wingbeats

Similar species

• Violet-green Swallow: shares some white-on-dark patterning but has a shorter tail, broader wings, and slower, more fluttery flight; unrelated family.
• Chimney Swift/Vaux's Swift: uniformly sooty brown, lacking the bold black-and-white pattern.

Range and habitat

White-throated Swift breeds in cliffs, canyons, and mountainous terrain across the western United States south through Mexico and into Central America, often near rock faces that provide crevice nest sites.

Migration

Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter, while populations in milder parts of the range, including the desert Southwest, may remain year-round.

Behavior

An extremely fast, agile flier, often seen careening along cliff faces in tight formation with other swifts or in high-speed courtship chases.

Voice

A shrill, high-pitched twittering chatter or scream, often given in flight near nest sites.

Feeding

Catches flying insects exclusively on the wing, sometimes foraging at great heights or ranging far from cliff nest sites.

Nesting and breeding

Nests in narrow cracks and crevices on cliff faces, building a small nest of feathers and plant material glued with saliva. The female incubates 3-6 eggs for roughly 3-4 weeks.