White-naped swift facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-naped swift |
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The white-naped swift (Streptoprocne semicollaris) is a very large bird from the swift family. It is one of the biggest swifts in the world! Only the purple needletail from Asia might be a tiny bit larger. You can mostly find this amazing bird in western and central Mexico. There has also been one sighting near the Guatemalan border.
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What is a White-Naped Swift?
The white-naped swift is a huge bird for a swift. It measures about 20.5 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) long. This makes it about 20% bigger than its more common relative, the white-collared swift. These swifts can weigh from 115 to 225 grams (4 to 8 ounces). Their average weight is around 175 grams (6 ounces).
How to Spot a White-Naped Swift
Adult white-naped swifts are dark brown-black. Their backs have a shiny blue look. The most special feature is a white crescent shape on the back of their neck, which looks like a white collar. Their tail is mostly square-shaped. However, it can look slightly notched when they are flying.
The white-collared swift looks similar. But the white-collared swift has a full white collar all around its neck. The white-naped swift does not have white on its belly. Also, the white-collared swift has a very notched tail.
Where Do White-Naped Swifts Live?
This swift loves wild, high places. It often lives near tall cliffs, deep river canyons, and high rocky peaks. Its favorite homes are pine-oak forests and tropical deciduous forests. You can also find them in areas with new plant growth.
Swift Habitats and Elevation
White-naped swifts usually live at high elevations. They are often found between 1,500 and 3,000 meters (about 4,900 to 9,800 feet) above sea level. It is very rare to see them closer to the ocean.
White-Naped Swift Behavior
White-naped swifts are very social birds. They like to live in groups. Their breeding colonies can have up to 200 birds! They have also been seen resting with other types of swifts.
Flying and Foraging Habits
These birds are powerful flyers. They fly very fast and straight. They can also ride warm air currents (thermals) high into the sky. White-naped swifts often fly many miles from their nesting sites to find food. They catch and eat different kinds of flying insects while in the air. This includes beetles, bees, and flying ants.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
White-naped swifts build simple nests. The parents make a shallow dip in dry sand. Their nests usually do not have any extra materials or bird saliva. They seem to be very picky about the type of soil they use.
Nesting Locations and Eggs
Nests are usually found inside caves. The swift places its nest on ledges away from the main part of the cave. Female swifts lay two white eggs. Scientists do not know much about how the parents care for their eggs and young birds.
Swift Sounds and Calls
When a white-naped swift is alone, it is usually quiet. But when many swifts are together, they can be very noisy! Their call sounds like "cree-cree-cree." They make this sound both when they are flying and when they are resting on the cave walls.
