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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLI
Field-journal plate: Chimney Swift
The Chimney Swift plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLI

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Apodidae · Taxon 6571

Length4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm)
Wingspan10.6–11.8 in (27–30 cm)
Weight0.6–1.1 oz (17–30 g)

Field marks

  1. Slender, tube- or cigar-shaped body
  2. Very long, narrow, strongly curved wings
  3. Short, tapered tail with stiff, bristle-like tips
  4. Dark gray-brown overall, with a slightly paler throat
  5. Tiny feet; clings to vertical surfaces rather than perching
  6. Very short, broad-based bill that is often hard to see

HabitatOpen airspace over a wide variety of terrain where flying insects are available; nests and roosts on enclosed vertical surfaces, including chimneys, cavities, caves, and similar structures.

BehaviorAn almost continuously aerial insectivore; flies rapidly with stiff, shallow wingbeats and clings rather than perches when at rest.

Palette

sooty gray-browncharcoal grayblackish brownpale gray throatdark brown-black