- Cypseloides lemosi
Identification
With 14cm a medium sized Swift, first described only in 1962.
- Blackish plumage
- Broad, long wings
- Forked tail
- Forhead slightly paler with a diagnostic white chest patch
- Reduced chest patch in female, also tail-fork shallower
- Juvenile similar to female
Distribution
Found in South America. Restricted range species: SW Colombia (upper Cauca Valley, Cauca and Valle departments), also recorded in NC Colombia, NE Ecuador and NW Peru
Known only from some specimens and field sightings. Classified as vulnerable.
Taxonomy
Forms a superspecies with Black Swift, Rothschild's Swift and Sooty Swift. Formerly placed in genus Nephoecetes.
Monotypic.
Habitat
Presumably secondary forest and scrub in the Central Andean foothills. Recorded mostly between 1000 and 1300m.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Usually seen in small flocks, together with other Swifts.
Nothing known about breeding season, nests or nestplaces.
Suspected to be resident.
