Lesser Antillean swift facts for kids
The Lesser Antillean swift (Chaetura martinica) is a small, fast-flying bird found on several islands in the Caribbean Sea. These islands include Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent. It might also live on Nevis. This bird belongs to the swift family, known for their incredible flying skills.
Quick facts for kids Lesser Antillean swift |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chaetura
|
| Species: |
martinica
|
 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Acanthylis martinica |
|
Contents
What Does the Lesser Antillean Swift Look Like?
This swift is about 10.5 to 11 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. It weighs around 12.7 grams, which is about as much as two quarters. It has a head that sticks out a bit and a short, square-shaped tail. Its wings are special, bulging in the middle and curving at the ends.
Both male and female Lesser Antillean swifts look alike. Their upper bodies are a black-brown color. They have a thin gray band on their lower back, called the rump. Their underparts are brown, but their throat is a bit lighter. Young swifts have white tips on some of their wing feathers.
Where Do Lesser Antillean Swifts Live?
The Lesser Antillean swift lives on several islands in the Caribbean. You can find them on Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent. There was also a sighting on Nevis, an island further north, but it hasn't been officially confirmed.
These birds mostly live in tropical lowland evergreen forests. However, they can also be seen flying over secondary forests (forests that have grown back after being cut down) and open areas, even drier ones.
How Do Lesser Antillean Swifts Behave?
Movement and Migration
The Lesser Antillean swift stays in the same area all year round. It does not migrate to other places.
What Do Lesser Antillean Swifts Eat?
Like all swifts, the Lesser Antillean swift eats insects while flying. They are called "aerial insectivores" because they catch their food in the air. These birds usually hunt in groups of 20 to 40. Sometimes, other birds like swallows join their hunting flocks. Scientists don't know exactly what types of insects they eat.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The Lesser Antillean swift seems to have its breeding season in the late spring and early summer. They build a nest that looks like half a cup. They attach this nest to a straight-up (vertical) surface. A female swift usually lays three eggs. Not much else is known about how these birds raise their young.
What Do Lesser Antillean Swifts Sound Like?
The main sound the Lesser Antillean swift makes is a high-pitched, chattering trill. It sounds like "prrrrrrrr" or "prrrrrrr-titi" and they make this sound often.
What is the Conservation Status of the Lesser Antillean Swift?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the Lesser Antillean swift as a species of "Least Concern." This means they are not currently in danger of disappearing. Even though they live in a small area, their population size is thought to be stable. No immediate threats to their survival have been found. They are considered uncommon on Guadeloupe but are fairly common on the other islands where they live.
