Salim Ali's Swift
NameSalim Ali's Swift
Common NameSalim Ali's Swift
Scientific NameApus salimalii
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)28
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly sooty-brown to blackish, with a distinctive white rump patch that contrasts with the darker body. It may also show a slightly paler throat patch, though this can be indistinct.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of high-pitched, rapid, and often chattering calls, typically described as 'sree-sree-sree' or 'tsip-tsip-tsip' notes given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Himalayas, ranging from northern India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, and into southeastern Tibet and southwestern China.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark sooty-brown plumage, Prominent white rump patch, Crescent-shaped wings, Rapid, agile flight, High-altitude habitat
Description
Salim Ali's Swift is a small, dark swift known for its extremely fast and agile flight. It spends most of its life in the air, feeding on insects and only landing to nest.
