AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

The Geographical and Ecological Distribution of the Black Swift in Colorado

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1961
Authors:Knorr, OA
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:73
Issue:2
Date Published:1961
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Apodidae, Apus, Apus apus, Cypseloides, Cypseloides niger, Nephoecetes, Nephoecetes niger, Niger
Abstract:During the summers of 1949 through 1958, field investigations were carried on to determine the geographical distribution of the Black Swift in Colorado and the ecological factors affecting this distribution. Fifteen thousand miles were traveled by automobile and 120 miles were covered on foot. Twenty-seven active breeding colonies were located at scattered points in 10 counties throughout most of the mountainous portion of Colorado. A nest, egg, and associated female were taken, the first to be recorded for Colorado. Additional sightings of the Black Swift were made during the breeding season in five other counties. Five physical ecological factors were found to be present to a greater or lesser degree in all the colonies: the presence of water, high relief as regards the configuration of the terrain, inaccessibility to terrestrial marauders, darkness, and the lack of flyway obstructions in the vicinity of the nest. It is believed that the Black Swift will nest anywhere that these ecological requirements are met.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4158914
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
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