African Swift
NameAfrican Swift
Common NameAfrican Swift
Scientific NameApus barbatus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)44
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)42
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is entirely sooty brown to blackish, often appearing uniformly dark. A slightly paler, often indistinct, throat patch may be present, which can be difficult to observe in flight.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, screaming calls, often described as 'sree-sree-sree' or 'swee-swee-swee', typically uttered while in flight, sometimes with a trilling quality.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, urban, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Ethiopia and Sudan south to South Africa, and also found on Madagascar and the Comoros islands.
Identifying Featureslong scythe-like wings, dark sooty-brown plumage, short forked tail, fast erratic flight, pale throat patch (often indistinct)
Description
The African Swift is a medium-sized aerial bird, spending most of its life on the wing, foraging for insects. It is characterized by its long, swept-back, scythe-like wings and a short, forked tail, enabling its remarkably fast and agile flight.
