Chaetura vauxi
(Vaux's Swift)

Physical Description:
4-5" (10-12 cm). A small, dark, swallow-like bird; dingy brown underparts and pale throat; short, unforked tail; long, stiff, gently curved wings.

Similar Species- White-throated, Black, and Chimney Swifts

Song:
Loud, rapid, bat-like ticking or chippering notes.

Distribution:
Breeds from southeastern Alaska, western Canada, northern Idaho, and western Montana, south to central California. Winters in central Mexico, south through breeding range, and casually in southern Louisiana and western Florida.

Habitat:
Found in coniferous, forested regions, but forages and migrates over open country, rivers, and lakes.

Ecology:
Builds nest in standing snag, or occasionally in chimney. Nests singly or in small colonies. Catches prey in air. During migration, often roosts in large flocks in hollow trees or chimneys. Recent studies in Oregon suggest this species is associated with old-growth forests.

clutch size varies from 3-6 eggs, but is usualy 4-6. Incubation probably lasts about 19 days. Young are capable of first flight 20-21 days after hatching.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABNUA03020
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S4,NTMB
National Rank:	N5B

Important State References:
No references are available at this time.