Lesser Antillean Swift Chaetura martinica Scientific name definitions

Predominantly blackish brown with a slightly paler rump, and distinctive wing shape, this swift is generally the sole representative of its genus in its insular range. The Lesser Antillean Swift is a poorly studied bird that is, as its name suggests, confined to the Lesser Antilles. It is generally fairly common, and at present the species is known to breed on the islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent, although like many other swifts breeding data are very sparse. This swift is generally encountered over forested habitats, in both lowlands and hilly regions, typically in groups of up to 40, and often in association with hirundines. Although usually considered to be resident, vagrants have been reported on other islands, among them Nevis.

Lesser Antilles: Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent.

Main call is a high-pitched twittering trill “prrrrrrrr” or “prrrrrrr-titi” given at intervals.

Season believed to be late spring to early summer. Nest believed to be half-cupped; presumably nest-sites typical of genus, though one nest recorded in disused oven. Three eggs, white, size 17·1–19 mm × 13·8–14·3 mm (1 Bond, J. (1941). Nidification of the birds of Dominica, B.W.I. Auk 58(3):364–375. Close ).

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Restricted-range species: present in Lesser Antilles EBA. Fairly common on Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent; uncommon on Guadeloupe.