Forest Swallow
NameForest Swallow
Common NameHorus Swift
Scientific NameApus horus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty brown to blackish plumage, with a distinctive white rump patch (not visible from all angles). The underside of the primary and secondary flight feathers are distinctly paler, appearing rufous-brown, which contrasts with the darker underwing coverts and body. The tail is short and slightly forked.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, thin, trilling 'tseee-tseee' or 'sree-sree' call, often given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, mountain, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeDiscontinuously distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia and Sudan south to South Africa, and also in parts of West Africa.
Identifying Featureswhite rump patch, dark body, pale rufous-brown underwing flight feathers, short, slightly forked tail, long, scythe-like wings
Description
This medium-sized swift is characterized by its dark body and contrasting pale rufous-brown underwing flight feathers. It is an aerial insectivore, exhibiting rapid and agile flight as it forages over various open habitats and often nests in tree holes or cliff crevices.
