Vaux's Swift

Vaux’s swift (Chaetura vauxi) is yellow listed (not at risk) in British Columbia. At dusk they gather in the darkening skies, wheeling around for 20 or 30 minutes before swooping dramatically into a brick chimney or hollow tree trunk.

Map

Biodiversity Interactive Map - Vaux's Swift

Range

• Breeds throughout western North America where suitable nesting structures occur
• Occurs throughout south and central B.C. also on the northwest coast of B.C.
• Throughout the Columbia Basin

Habitat

• Nests and roosts in hollow trees in mature forests.
• Forages often at rivers and wetlands. Also forages at higher altitudes over a wide variety of habitats.
• Often roosts in large flocks in hollow trees or chimneys during spring and fall migration. Towns with older houses and historic buildings are most likely to support nesting birds.

Reproduction

• Nests are made of sticks glued with saliva to the vertical inside wall of a tree or chimney
• Clutch size is 3-7 (usually 4-7)
• Incubation lasts 18-20 days
• Young leave nest after 20-21 days

Listing and Date

Threats to Species

• Not at risk

Select Reports

Still on?: FWCP Vaux’s Swift Watch Program, visit www.fwcp.ca, email irene.manley@bchydro.com or call 250 352 6874

For more information on this species, visit The BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer and enter “Vaux’s swift” in the Species Name field.