Andean Swift

The Andean swift (Aeronautes andecolus) is a species of bird in subfamily Apodinae of the swift family Apodidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The Andean swift was at one time placed in genus Micropus which was later merged into Aeronautes, and also in genus Apus from which it was split. Three subspecies are recognized, the nominate A. a. andecolus, A. a. parvulus, and A. a. peruvianus. == Description == The Andean swift is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long. It has sharply pointed wings and a long deeply forked tail. The sexes are alike. Adults of the nominate subspecies have mostly black upperparts with a white collar and band on the rump. Their face and underparts are mostly white to off-white with mottled buff on the flanks and vent. Subspecies A. a. parvulus is smaller than the nominate and the borders between black and white areas are very sharply defined. A. a. peruvianus is also smaller than the nominate. Its tail is shorter and less deeply forked, its white plumage is purer, and it has darker undertail coverts. == Distribution and habitat == Subspecies A. a. parvulus of the Andean swift…