High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air is crisp and the views are endless, a fascinating aerial acrobat graces our skies – the Vaux’s swift. Though not as common a resident as some of our other feathered friends, these sleek swifts leave a lasting impression with their whirlwind appearances.

A Tiny Titan of the Sky

The Vaux’s swift is a pint-sized marvel, measuring a mere 4.2 to 4.4 inches (10.7 to 11.2 cm) in length. Despite their diminutive stature, they hold their own in the vastness of the sky. Their bodies are built for agility, boasting a cigar-shaped form, sharply pointed wings that curve like crescents, and a short, squared tail for maneuverability.

Spotting a Shadow with Speed

Seeing a Vaux’s swift can be a fleeting experience. Their plumage is a study in dark elegance – a dusky black that shimmers with a subtle blue sheen covers their head, upperparts, and wings. Their underparts are a contrasting grayish-brown, with a pale throat that appears even whiter in the northern populations. Look closely, and you might spot the subtle difference between the sexes – juveniles have slightly darker bases to their throat feathers.

While their coloring might make them blend into the shadows, their flight is anything but subtle. Vaux’s swifts are masters of aerial acrobatics, zipping and zagging through the air in pursuit of flying insects. Their wings beat rapidly, creating a constant buzz as they perform breathtaking maneuvers.

A Globetrotting Guest

The Vaux’s swift is a migratory marvel. They breed in the Pacific Northwest of North America, but their journey takes them south for the winter. While Costa Rica isn’t their primary wintering ground, some lucky visitors find their way to our mountain retreat, especially during the later part of the rainy season (August to October). Their arrival often coincides with the abundance of flying insects that emerge during this time.

A Creature of Community

Though solitary hunters, Vaux’s swifts are social creatures. They roost together in large numbers, sometimes filling the evening sky with a swirling mass of thousands of birds. Back in their breeding grounds, they favor old-growth forests with towering trees that provide them with natural cavities for nesting. Here at the retreat, we strive to create a similar welcoming environment by preserving the natural ecosystem and the old-growth trees that grace our mountain slopes.

A Glimpse of a Swift Shadow

If you’re fortunate enough to spot a Vaux’s swift during your stay at our mountain retreat, take a moment to appreciate this tiny titan of the sky. Their fleeting visit is a reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world and the wonders that take flight just outside your window. Keep your eyes peeled for their mesmerizing aerial displays – a true testament to the beauty and agility of the avian world.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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