Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), Near Cameron, Coconino County

This Chimney Swift was found by Jason Wilder and Chuck LaRue on 19 May 2018 and photographed by Jason Wilder on the same date.

Chimney Swift is poorly documented in Arizona. Previous records include non breeding individuals on the University of Arizona Campus in 1952 and as many as eight there during the summers of 1973-1977. More recently one was at Willcox in May 2011.

This bird is a Chaetura swift on the basis of its size, shape, and uniform gray plumage. Identification of Chaetura swifts is a challenge and vocalizations are the easiest way to identify them. This individual though shows the field marks of a Chimney. Wing shape across photos shows that the inner primaries bulge rather than a straighter edge of a Vaux's. Paler isolated throat patch that contrasts strongly with the upper breast is typical of Chimney. The rump does not contrast strongly with the rest of the back or tail again typical of Chimney.

 

19 May 2018, photo by Jason Wilder

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