Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Breeds across eastern North America from… Open sky above towns, suburbs, forests,… common Chittering call

Learn to identify the Chimney Swift by ear. Master the "chip-chip-chip-chip" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chip-chip-chip-chip”

What the Chimney Swift sounds like

A slender, soot-brown aerial insectivore often described as a "cigar with wings." It spends almost its entire life on the wing, flying with rapid, stiff wingbeats and only landing to roost or nest on vertical surfaces inside chimneys or hollow trees.

“chip-chip-chip-chip”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Fast, evenly spaced, high-pitched chips delivered in a stream during courtship flights around the nest chimney. Often written as “chip-chip-chip-chip”.

Don't confuse with:The Vaux's Swift — smaller and paler gray overall

Where you'll hear it

Open sky above towns, suburbs, forests, fields, rivers, and lakes; nests and roosts in chimneys, wells, silos, hollow trees, and occasionally cave walls.

Arrives on the breeding grounds in April, raises 1 brood in early summer, gathers in large communal roosts from late July, and departs south by late September.

Similar species

Vaux's Swift

Smaller and paler gray overall

Black Swift

Much larger and bulkier

Purple Martin

Swallow with broader, slower-beating wings

Chimney Swift sound FAQ

What does a Chimney Swift sound like?

Fast, evenly spaced, high-pitched chips delivered in a stream during courtship flights around the nest chimney. Listen for the "chip-chip-chip-chip" phrase.

How do I tell a Chimney Swift from a Vaux's Swift by sound?

Vaux's Swift: Smaller and paler gray overall; Underparts slightly lighter; Ranges chiefly in western North America.

When is the best time to hear a Chimney Swift?

Arrives on the breeding grounds in April, raises 1 brood in early summer, gathers in large communal roosts from late July, and departs south by late September.