Vaux's Swift is a tiny western swift barely larger than a sparrow. It breeds in hollow trees in old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest and winters in Central and South America. Spectacular roost concentrations in large chimneys during fall migration — thousands of birds spiraling into a single chimney — draw crowds of observers in Portland and Seattle.
Habitat
Old-growth forests and open sky in western North America
Diet
Flying insects, spiders, and aerial plankton
How common
Common
Recent Vaux's Swift sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Vaux's Swift? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free