Chestnut-collared Swift is a rather large swift of montane regions. It is found from Mexico south through Central America, the Andes from Venezuela south to Bolivia, and in the coastal mountains of northern Venezuela and on Trinidad. It frequently is observed in large flocks, often with other species of swift, feeding in swirling masses over mountain slopes and ridges. Like other swifts, Chestnut-collared feeds on aerial insects by catching them in mid-air. Its half-cup nest is attached to a steep rock face, generally in a shady, damp location.