Asian Palm Swift
NameAsian Palm Swift
Common NameAsian Palm Swift
Scientific NameCypsiurus balasiensis
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)11
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty brown to grey-brown plumage, with slightly paler underparts and a darker back and flight feathers. The throat and belly can appear a lighter grey-brown.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of high-pitched, rapid, twittering or chattering calls, often described as 'twee-twee-twee' or 'sree-sree-sree'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical Asia, from India and Sri Lanka east through Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesLong, narrow, swept-back wings, Deeply forked tail (often held closed, appearing pointed), Slender body, Sooty brown plumage, Often associated with palm trees
Description
The Asian Palm Swift is a small, slender swift characterized by its long, swept-back wings and deeply forked tail, which often appears pointed when held closed. It is highly aerial, spending most of its life in flight, often seen foraging for insects around palm trees.
