Cavity-Nesting Birds of North American Forests / Agriculture Handbook 511

by Virgil E. Scott; Keith E. Evans; David R. Patton; Charles P. Stone

Vaux’s swift

Chaetura vauxi

L 4½″

Habitat: This small swift is most likely to be found in river valleys among dense Douglas-fir and redwood forests in the western United States.

Nest: Nests are usually located in tall hollow snags in burned or logged areas and are made from twigs (Peterson 1961, Robbins et al. 1966). Nests have been reported in unused chimneys and under building eaves (Bent 1940).

Food: Flying insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and small beetles captured in flight probably make up the entire diet (Bent 1940).