Birds
White-collared Swift
Streptoprocne zonaris
Flying directly behind the curtain of a roaring waterfall, a white-collared swift reaches a roost sheltered from nearly every predator, its bright white neck collar visible even in the dim, mist-filled light.
Overview
The white-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris, is a Least Concern bird found across forest and mountain habitat from Mexico through Central America into much of South America. Its conspicuous white neck collar, large size among swifts, and habit of roosting in caves and behind waterfalls make it one of the more distinctive and well-protected swift species found anywhere in the Americas.
A roost few predators can reach
By choosing to nest and roost in caves, cliff crevices, and directly behind waterfalls, the white-collared swift places its eggs and chicks somewhere that few land predators can realistically access, a strategy that trades a difficult commute for real safety.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and mountain habitat throughout its extensive range in the Americas.
White-collared Swift: common questions
Why is it called the white-collared swift?
It shows a conspicuous white band around the neck against otherwise dark plumage, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Where does the white-collared swift nest?
It chooses nesting and roosting sites in caves, cliff crevices, and behind waterfalls, locations that offer shelter from most predators.
How big is the white-collared swift?
It ranks among the larger swift species found across the Americas.
Where is the white-collared swift found?
It ranges across an extensive stretch of the Americas, from Mexico through Central America into much of South America.