White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)

Identification & Behavior: ~21 cm (8.2 in). The adult White-collared Swift is all black with a complete white collar around the neck. The juvenile has a flecked gray and whitish collar, which turns white as the bird reaches adulthood. The tail is notched. It is similar to the White-chested Swift but is distinguished by larger size, and by having a complete white collar around the neck. Also, see White-chinned Swift. The White-collared Swift is the largest swift.

Status: The White-collared Swift is uncommon and whidespread on both slopes of the Andes and Amazonian lowlands. It has been reported at elevations of up to 4500 m in the high Andes. It appears to undergo nomadic movement. The White-collared Swift also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Vencejo de Collar Blanco.

Sub-species: White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris subtropicalis), Parkes, 1995.

Meaning of Name: Streptoprocne: Gr. Streptos= collar, neck-chain and prokne= who was metamorphosed into a swallow. zonaris: Gr. Zōnē= girdle, belt.

See more of the Family Apodidae