Natural History

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The Vaux’s Swift is named for William Sansom Vaux (1811 - 1882), an American mineralogist. Vaux was the friend of John Kirk Townsend, a noted ornithologist of the day and the person to discover the Vaux’s Swift for science. Since a scientist cannot name a species for him/herself, it had long been common practice to name a new species and commemorate an admired friend at the same time.

Vaux (pronounced VOX) was born in Philadelphia. He became a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1834, and served it in various capacities in the next forty-eight years, including vice-president. He was also a member of the Zoological Society of Philadelphia and one of the original members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

He made several trips to Europe to collect mineral specimens, and by his death his collection was considered to be the finest in the United States. He bequeathed his mineral and archaeological collections to the Academy, along with his library and an endowment for their preservation.

Vaux was one of eight founders of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, its senior vice-president, and from 1871 till his death treasurer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Vaux also served as president of the Zoological Society of Philadelphia.

Vaux's Swift Natural History

Vaux's Swifts are truly amazing aerialists. They spend much of the time in the air and forage, drink, court, collect nesting materials and copulate all in flight. They have a voracious appetite for flying insects and ballooning spiders. Vaux's Swifts arrive in Oregon in late April, court their mates in May and June, and have their 4-6 eggs laid and hatched by July.

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