Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, we take pride in the symphony of life that surrounds us. From the emerald valleys below to the mist-kissed peaks above, a vibrant tapestry of birds flits and calls. Today, we turn our gaze skyward to a master of the air, the Great Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila sanctihieronymi).
A Master of Aerobatics
Spotting a Great Swallow-tailed Swift is an unforgettable experience. With a wingspan reaching up to 20.5 cm (8.1 inches) and a deeply forked tail that resembles a swallow’s (hence the name), this swift cuts through the mountain air with incredible grace. Their long, pointed wings allow for effortless gliding, while their forked tail provides exceptional maneuverability as they chase insects on the wind.
Imagine yourself gazing out from your private balcony at the retreat, a cup of Costa Rican coffee warming your hands. Suddenly, a dark silhouette streaks across the blue canvas above. It dips and dives, seemingly defying gravity, as it hunts for its aerial prey. That, my friend, is the Great Swallow-tailed Swift in its element.
High-Altitude Haven
Unlike its close relative, the Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, the Great Swallow-tailed Swift prefers the cooler climes. It’s most commonly found in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Here, at our mountain retreat, we’re fortunate to have them as frequent visitors, soaring amongst the highest peaks.
The Great Swallow-tailed Swift thrives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and high-altitude shrublands. These areas provide the perfect environment for their aerial lifestyle, offering an abundance of flying insects to fuel their tireless flight.
A Life on the Wing
The Great Swallow-tailed Swift is a true bird of the air. They spend most of their lives aloft, even sleeping and mating in flight. Their tiny feet are weak and barely adapted for perching, making them masters of the skies but grounded on land.
A Glimpse into a Hidden World
While the Great Swallow-tailed Swift may not be a common sight everywhere in Costa Rica, here at our mountain retreat, you have a good chance of witnessing their aerial acrobatics. Keep your eyes peeled for their dark forms dancing across the vast canvas of the sky.
The next time you visit our mountain retreat, take a moment to appreciate the incredible diversity of life that surrounds us. The Great Swallow-tailed Swift is just one of the many feathered wonders waiting to be discovered in the heart of Costa Rica.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
