Chimney Swift

Swifts are small, insectivorous birds known for their swift flight. The long, narrow wings make them very maneuverable in their habitat in Forests and cliff faces. Members of the family (family Apodidae, order Apodiformes), containing approximately 100 species, are found on all continents except Antarctica.

The Chimney Swift is an uncommon summer resident, which breeds in wooded areas near the Manitoba border and is sometimes seen in the southern half of the province. It has a distinctive shape, described as a cigar with wings, with a small head and short tail propelled by the sickle-shaped wings. Their buzzy, rasping call is often heard before they are seen flying rapidly in pursuit of their small insect prey.

Diane Secoy

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Further Reading

Alsop, Fred J., III. 2002. Birds of Canada. New York: Dorling Kindersley; Godfrey, W. Earl. 1986 (revised edition). Birds of Canada. Ottawa: National Museum of Natural Science; National Audubon Society. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.