ML156575711

Age and sex

Unknown age, Unknown sex - X

Observation details

While studying a group of Spot-fronted Swifts, this bird immediately caught my attention due to distinctive different flight manner (more fluttery) and general jizz (like a flying cigar), so I identified it as Chaetura. The bird was slightly smaller than the Cypseloides, so it was large for a Chaetura swift, approximately the same size as Chimney Swift. This bird showed very dark underparts with no clear contrast with throat. It was very high and it was very difficult to see the upper parts, but a slightly paler rump and tail was noticed (close to pattern of Vaux's Swift... not very conspicuous as in Short-tailed Swift, but it was just a glimpse) I heard no vocalizations. Size alone eliminates most of the expected Chaetura swifts. Underparts pattern different to Chimney Swift, and darker (not olive brown). Only managed to get one poor photo where it is evident different proportions compared to Cypseloides (smaller head and bill, short tail and wings with longer inner primaries making a "bulge") and very dark under parts.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D7200

ISO

3200

Focal length

460 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/3200 sec

Dimensions

740 pixels x 493 pixels

Original file size

36.52 KB