Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: GardenSlug000 on June 10, 2015, 09:17:36 PM

Title: What is this bird?
Post by: GardenSlug000 on June 10, 2015, 09:17:36 PM

Hello, can anyone identify this bird which has a very short beak?

I thought it was injured because it fluttered about at ground level, and when it was
still it kept its head facing up at what appeared to be a severe angle, as can
be seen in the photo that also reveals white feathers under the chin.

The bird soon flew away after I took the pictures.

Location: Essex County area of Southern Ontario

Title: Re: What is this bird?
Post by: Brian Bailey on June 10, 2015, 09:38:15 PM

It looks like a Chimney Swift. I've only ever seen them flying.  From what you describe, it sounds like it probably was injured or at least stunned from a collision.  


BB

Sent from my birdroid using Tapatalk.

Title: Re: What is this bird?
Post by: thouc on June 10, 2015, 10:39:21 PM

If Chimney Swifts get grounded for some reason they have difficulty taking off, the fluttering about you saw was its attempt to take flight.

Title: Re: What is this bird?
Post by: GardenSlug000 on June 12, 2015, 01:33:13 AM

Thank you both to Brian Bailey and Thouc, I looked up Chimney Swift and it certainly seems to match
the bird I found.  The bird definitely had curved scimitar shaped wings and a very tiny beak.  

The following website http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chimney_Swift/id (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chimney_Swift/id)
confirms the bird can't perch if it lands; it must instead cling to vertical surfaces.
Ontario government website lists it as a threatened species.  I hope this little guy did
fine once he managed to fly away.