High above the lush canopy of our Costa Rican retreat, a flash of black streaks through the emerald sky. It’s the Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, a dazzling aerial acrobat gracing the mountain winds. Don’t be fooled by its “lesser” title – this tiny bird packs a powerful punch of agility and grace, captivating birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Master of the Skies

The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, also known as the Cayenne Swift (Panyptila cayennensis), is a true marvel of avian engineering. Its body is sleek and compact, perfectly designed for slicing through the air. Razor-sharp wings, incredibly narrow and impossibly long, propel it with exceptional speed and maneuverability. But the star of the show is undoubtedly its tail. Deeply forked and elongated, it resembles a swallow’s tail, hence the name. Unlike swallows, however, the Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift keeps its tail neatly closed in flight, transforming it into a pointed extension.

This unique tail design, along with its streamlined body and powerful wings, allows the Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift to perform breathtaking aerial acrobatics. It can effortlessly zip, zoom, and dive through the rainforest canopy, chasing insects at dizzying speeds. Watching a flock of these swifts dance in the sky is a mesmerizing experience, a testament to the wonders of avian evolution.

Spotting a Tiny Dancer

While these swifts can be found throughout Costa Rica, from the lowlands to the mountains (including the skies above our retreat!), they are most commonly spotted in the humid tropical regions. Keep your eyes peeled for them soaring low over the forest canopy, often in pairs. They might also venture out over open areas, lakes, and rivers, ever on the hunt for their next aerial meal.

Look for these telltale signs to identify a Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift:

• Small size: They are relatively tiny birds, measuring only around 5 inches in length.
• Black and white contrast: Their bodies are a deep, glossy black, while their throats boast a bright white patch that stands out sharply.
• Swallow-tailed wonder: As mentioned before, the deeply forked tail held closed in flight is a key identifier.
• Fast and agile: Their flight is swift and erratic, making them a challenge to track but a joy to observe.

A Life Spent Aloft

The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift is a true creature of the sky. They spend most of their lives airborne, catching insects on the wing and even sleeping in mid-air. They build small cup-shaped nests on cliffs or the undersides of buildings, using their saliva to glue together plant fibers and feathers. Interestingly, both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

A Glimpse into the Rainforest Symphony

The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift might be a tiny wonder, but its presence adds a vital note to the symphony of life in the Costa Rican rainforest. Their constant aerial ballet not only controls insect populations but also serves as a visual reminder of the incredible diversity and adaptations found in the natural world.

So, the next time you’re gazing upwards at the vast Costa Rican sky, keep an eye out for the Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just spot this dazzling aerial artist, adding another unforgettable memory to your Costa Rican retreat experience.

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