Cape Verde Swift
NameCape Verde Swift
Common NameCape Verde Swift
Scientific NameApus alexandri
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly sooty brown, appearing dark brown to blackish in flight. It has a slightly paler, indistinct throat patch.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree-sree' or 'sree-sree-sree-sree', often given in flight, characteristic of swifts.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, urban, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, where it is found across most of the islands.
Identifying FeaturesSooty brown plumage, Long, scythe-like wings, Short, slightly forked tail, Subtle pale throat patch, Fast, agile flight, Endemic to Cape Verde Islands
Description
The Cape Verde Swift is a medium-sized swift, entirely sooty brown with long, scythe-like wings adapted for its highly aerial lifestyle. It spends most of its life in flight, foraging for insects and nesting in rocky crevices or buildings.
