Vaux's swift

Vaux's swift is a small bird native to both North and South America, named after American scientist William Sansom Vaux. This tiny bird features a cigar-shaped body, crescent-shaped wings, and a short, square tail. You can find Vaux's swifts from southern Alaska to central California, and from Mexico down to Venezuela. They prefer to nest in old-growth coniferous or deciduous forests.

These birds are highly social and are often seen in flocks with other swift species. They primarily feed on flying insects, which they catch while darting over forests and open areas.

During the breeding season, Vaux's swifts build cup-shaped nests in dark cavities using twigs and their own saliva. They lay three white eggs between March and July. In winter, these birds migrate to the tropics.

There are several subspecies of Vaux's swift, each with its unique range. One notable migratory population roosts seasonally in the chimney of Chapman Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. This event attracts thousands of spectators and even some predators. To protect these birds, the school has installed an alternative heating system, ensuring the chimney remains a safe roosting site for the swifts.