Endemic Bird of the Day : Antillean Palm Swift

Abstract

Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) day 146 poster, dedicated to the Antillean Palm Swift (vencejillo antillano). A fast flying, deftly maneuvering miniature fighter-jet of the Caribbean sky, your attention will likely be drawn to the Antillean Palm Swift when it dives past your face or emits a flurry of twitters- “tooeee-tooee” – above you in pursuit of its insect prey. This aptly named bird lives exclusively in the Greater Antilles islands (save Puerto Rico). And while Antillean Palm Swifts can definitely fit in the palm of your hand, this bird takes its name from the palms it frequently uses for nesting and roosting.