Costa Rican Swift
Chaetura fumosa
Smallest swift in most of range. All dark gray with contrasting pale rump and paler throat, both of which can be difficult to see in many viewing conditions. A good look at the rump is necessary for a firm visual identification, otherwise Vaux’s Swift can look very similar. However, in some parts of its range (the Osa Peninsula, for example) this is the only small Chaetura swift. Makes twittering calls similar to many other swifts. Usually found in flocks over forests and more open areas.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Chaetura fumosa
- Authority
- Salvin, 1870
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Chaetura
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Andaman Nightjar
Caprimulgus andamanicus
A dark, medium-sized nightjar with a somewhat long tail and wings. The crown and back are markedly paler gray, and the white throat patch can sometimes be hidden. In flight, note the white patch on the outermost flight feathers. Found in open woodland, forest clearings, and mangroves. The song consists of 4-5 loud, hard notes delivered in a level series: “chowk-chowk-chowk-...”.
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher
Vauriella gularis
Distinctive brownish flycatcher found in Borneo’s central and southeastern highland forests. Brown above and gray below, with a warm coffee-brown face and eye-catching white eyebrows and throat patch. Also note warm rufous tones in the wings and tail. Forages close to or on the ground, often with mixed-species flocks. Can be quite tame and allow close approach. Gives a bubby rattling trill when alarmed.
African Marsh Harrier
Circus ranivorus
Large, brown, wetland harrier. Like all harriers, has long, slender wings and tail, and graceful, swooping flight. Found in and around marshes, swamps, and wet grasslands. Dark brown overall coloration separates it from all other harriers except female Eurasian Marsh-Harrier. African Marsh-Harrier can be identified by the presence of barring in the wings and tail, as well as by its darker head.
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