The Great Swallow-tailed Swift, also known as the Black Swift, is a species of bird that is native to the Americas, ranging from Alaska to Argentina. Being a swift, it belongs to the family Apodidae, which means it is closely related to hummingbirds. These birds are easily distinguished by their long, pointed wings, forked tail, and glossy black feathers.
The Great Swallow-tailed Swift is one of the largest members of the swift family and can grow up to 25 centimeters in length with a wingspan of up to 60 centimeters. Despite their large size, they are skilled flyers and are capable of flying at incredible speeds, reaching up to 136 kilometers per hour.
Great Swallow-tailed Swifts are generally found in mountain regions, where they dwell in cliffs and canyons. They are commonly seen around waterfalls, where they capture insects that are attracted to mist and spray. In fact, these birds are known to be exclusively aerial feeders, catching insects such as flies, wasps, and bees while in flight. They have been documented to have chased insects as high as 6000 meters into the air.
These birds form large breeding colonies, although their nesting habits are not well understood. Their nesting sites are usually on inaccessible cliffs, making them difficult to observe. It is known that they lay one or two eggs, which are incubated for around 30 days.
The Great Swallow-tailed Swift is a migratory bird, traveling to central South America during the winter months. They cover vast distances during migration, some traveling over 15,000 kilometers to reach their destination. They have been seen traveling in large groups, which could be beneficial for navigation.
Unfortunately, the Great Swallow-tailed Swift is listed as a species of "Least Concern" under the IUCN Red List. The major threats to these animals are habitat loss and degradation through deforestation and dam construction. Conservation efforts are underway, and it is hoped that these charismatic birds can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.