Mexican Bird of the Month:

Cypseloides niger

By Biól. Adolfo Servin

June 3, 2026

The bird of the month for June is a species as remarkable as it is elegant: the Black Swift (Cypseloides niger). This medium-sized bird is characterized by its almost entirely black or dark brown plumage. In flight, it can be easily recognized by its long, slender, sickle-shaped wings and its swift, highly agile movements. Juvenile birds display lighter edges on their wing feathers, giving them a slightly scaled appearance.

These fascinating birds primarily inhabit humid canyons, mountainous regions, cloud forests, and areas near waterfalls and cliffs. For this reason, they can be observed at Botanical Gardens during certain times of the year. The Black Swift is a migratory species that breeds in western Canada and the United States, moving to warmer regions during part of the year.

Its diet consists almost entirely of flying insects captured in midair. Among its favorite prey are flies, small beetles, mosquitoes, and winged ants.

One of the most astonishing aspects of these birds is that they spend much of their lives in the air. They eat, drink, and even rest while flying, and they are often seen gliding in small groups. In addition, they commonly build their nests behind waterfalls or on nearby damp cliff walls, locations that provide protection from predators.

If you would like to marvel at these incredible birds, we recommend visiting Vallarta Botanical Gardens during the rainy season and migration period, from May through October, when they are most likely to be seen soaring across the garden skies.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and plenty of patience: because they fly at great heights and impressive speeds, observing and photographing them is a fascinating challenge for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike.