Small swift of rainforest regions; common but often overlooked. Plumage mostly dark brown, with paler throat and brownish rump. Forages for insects over canopy of mature forest and second growth, and along rivers, often with other small swifts, from which it may be difficult to distinguish unless seen from above. Chapman’s appears stockier and broader-winged than other species and lacks any gray or white on rump; has more obvious tail than Short-tailed Swift. Calls are choppier than those of other small swifts.