Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-22


Common name:

Vaux's Swift

Scientific name: Chaetura vauxi
Date: 5/12/2018
Time: 7:06 pm
Length of time observed: 3 seconds
Number: 1
Age: Unknown
Sex: Unknown
Location: I-215 north near exit 4
County: Salt Lake
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 50 ft
Optical equipment: None
Weather: Sunny
Light Conditions: Clear
Description:        Size of bird: Finch-sized, about 6 in.
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Cigar-shaped with curved, pointed wings
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Overall chocolate brown
(Description:)            Bill Type: Tiny, barely visible
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Small, all brown bird with rounded head and square tail. Wings were long, curved and pointed. Flew with a bat-like flutter.
Song or call & method of delivery:  
Behavior: In flight, wing-beats fluttered and bat-like
Habitat: Mountain foothills
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Swallows eliminated by wing shape and flight pattern. White-throated Swift eliminated by size, square tail, and lack of white belly. Black Swift eliminated by size, wing length, tail shape, and color. Chimney Swift eliminated by range.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Familiar to swifts by seeing three other species. Recognized the shape and flight pattern of a small swift
References consulted: Field guides and identification apps.
Description from: From memory
Observer: Ian Batterman
Observer's address: 8538 S Harvard Park Dr
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 5/17/18
Additional material:  
Additional comments: