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.
Best time to see a Vaux's Swift
The best time to see a Vaux's Swift is April–August, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,718 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Vaux's Swift? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Vaux's Swift sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Vaux's Swift?
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