How to Spot a Chimney Swift

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Look for the Chimney Swift in its preferred habitat and range. During breeding season in the summer months, find the Chimney Swift throughout the eastern half of North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. In the winter, the Chimney Swift lives in the Amazon of South America. Chimney Swifts nest in towns and in other urban areas and fly over cities, towns, forests and open fields.
Step 2:
Take note of the Chimney Swift's small size. A small bird, the Chimney Swift ranges in length from 5 to 6 inches. It weighs between 0.6 and 1.06 oz. and has a wingspan that ranges from 11 to 12 inches in length.
Step 3:
Observe the appearance of the Chimney Swift, with dark brownish-gray upperparts and underparts. The throat may have a lighter brownish-gray color, however. Their long wings have a pointed shape, and their tails are short and square with small spiny projections extending beyond the tail feathers. This bird's legs are black or dark gray. The males, females and juveniles look similar.
Step 4:
Listen to the distinctive song of the Chimney Swift. The song sounds like a chattering or a twittering. The notes are very loud, high pitched and come in a rapid succession.
Step 5:
Watch the Chimney Swift in flight. While flying, Chimney Swifts appear to alternate the beating of each wing. The wings look stiff and beat rapidly during flight. Some call the Chimney Swift's flight pattern bat-like.

Tips & Warnings

Chimney Swifts, unlike other swifts, don't perch. Instead, look for Chimney Swifts clinging to walls and the sides of chimneys.

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