House Swift
NameHouse Swift
Common NameHouse Swift
Scientific NameApus affinis
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)37
Plumage DetailsOverall sooty brown to blackish plumage, with a distinctive white rump patch and a white patch on the throat/chin. The tail is short and square-tipped, sometimes appearing slightly notched.
Vocalization / CallHigh-pitched, rapid, chattering or screaming calls, often given in groups, described as 'sree-sree-sree' or 'chi-chi-chi'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, mountain, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, extending into India and Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesWhite rump patch, White throat patch, Dark sooty plumage, Short, square-tipped tail, Highly aerial flight
Description
The House Swift is a small, highly aerial bird known for its rapid, agile flight. It spends most of its life on the wing, feeding on insects and nesting colonially on buildings or cliffs.
