Frequency-modulated diode laser transient absorption spectra of the ethynyl radical have been recorded at wavelengths close to 1.66 µm. The observed spectrum includes strong, regular, line patterns. The two main bands observed originate in the ground X 2 Σ + state and its first excited bending vibrational level of 2 Π symmetry. The upper states, of 2 Σ + symmetry at 6055.6 cm −1 and 2 Π symmetry at 6413.5 cm −1 , respectively, had not previously been observed