APPEARANCE

Chimney Swifts can be readily identified be their unique body shape, reminiscent of a “cigar on wings.” They can also be identified by several field marks:    

• Cylindrical body
• Uniform charcoal brown colour
• Pale white throat
• Long slender wings
• Short, bristly tail

Males and females are not distinguishable by plumage.

SOUNDS

Chimney Swifts make a constant, high-pitched twittering sound. The video below shows Swifts in the process of roosting; roosts may contain hundreds or thousands of birds. Skip to 0:55 to see an interior view of the chimney.