Vaux’s Swift

Chaetura vauxi

Vaux’s Swifts pass through Southern California twice each year, bound for the Pacific Northwest in spring, and Central America in the fall. People gather to watch flocks of these virtuoso flyers spin and swirl in unison before spiraling down into a tree or a chimney to roost. Seeing Vaux’s Swifts at the lagoon is a rare siting.

Fun Fact:
Twice each year, migrating Vaux's Swifts put on a coordinated aerial dance at dusk.

What’s for Lunch:
Insects

Where’s Home:
Pacific Northwest in summer, Central America in winter