The dynamics of a swirling jet are investigated at swirl numbers in the range of the critical swirl number for vortex breakdown (VB). VB, a bifurcation in the structure of a swirling jet, results in a recirculation region forming along the centerline of the jet. Investigation of time-averaged velocity measurements leads to the identification of three flow regimes. Velocity fields in these regimes are analyzed to characterize jet dynamics and identify a precessing vortex core.