Black Swift
Cypseloides niger
Habitat
Status
Endangered (Federal)
Blue List (Provincial)
Description
The Black Swift is the largest swift in North America at about 18cm tall. It has long pointed wings and a slightly notched tail. The tail notch is usually deeper in males than females. They are almost entirely black with whitish patches on the sites of the forehead and the feathers on he belly have white edging.
Black Swifts spend most of their lifetime in the air as this is where they do most of their foraging. Their nesting sites include high altitude caves or enclosures near waterfalls or streams. They needs to nest in dark places as their nests cannot be exposed to sun.
Threats
-Pesticides reducing flying insect population
-Air-borne pollutants or pesticides sprayed into the air
-Climate change and severe weather
You Can Help!
-Protect and conserve wildlife habitat
-Limit pesticide use, especially those that create excessive spray drift
Resources
https://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_Black%20Swift_2015_e.pdf
Photo by Alan Schmierer