African Swift vs Satin Swiftlet
Apus barbatus مقارنةً بـ Collocalia uropygialis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| السمة | African Swift | Satin Swiftlet |
|---|---|---|
| الاسم العلمي | Apus barbatus | Collocalia uropygialis |
| الرتبة | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| الفصيلة | Apodidae | Apodidae |
| حالة الحفاظ | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| الطول | — | — |
| طول الجناح | 34,2 cm (13.5 in) | — |
| الوزن | 42,666666666666664 g (1.51 oz) | 5,4 g (0.19 oz) |
| النظام الغذائي | Completely aerial diet of small flying insects and spiders; never forages on the ground or … | Aerial insectivore catching tiny flying insects, midges, and airborne spiders in fast low-altitude flight near … |
| عدد البيض في الوضع | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Swift
Sharp, piercing screech followed by rapid chatter; intense series of notes escalating in speed and volume before fading.
Satin Swiftlet
Very thin, high twittering; rapid 'chip' notes over Bismarck Archipelago islands; echolocation clicks inside cave roosts; tiny; call barely distinguishable from other small swiftlets
Geographic Range & Migration
African Swift
Found across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. One of Africa's most common swift species.
Satin Swiftlet
Found in the Moluccas and southwestern Pacific including New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Resident in lowland forest, forest edge, and open areas.
حالة الحفاظ
African Swift
Satin Swiftlet
How to Tell Them Apart
African Swift
Dark sooty-brown throughout; pale throat patch whitish-grey; underparts slightly paler; broadly similar to Common Swift but slightly larger and marginally paler below; widespread Sub-Saharan African species.
Satin Swiftlet
Tiny; blackish upperparts with satiny blue-green gloss; white rump band; underparts dark sooty-grey; forked tail; Oceanian swiftlet with satin-like sheen on upperparts distinguishing it from duller relatives in the region.
About These Birds
African Swift
A medium-sized swift (16-17 cm) found across sub-Saharan Africa. Dark sooty-brown plumage, darker than Pallid Swift. Aerial insectivore, foraging high over varied habitats from forests to savannas. Breeds on cliffs and buildings. Resident or partial migrant within Africa.
Satin Swiftlet
A small swiftlet (9-10 cm) found in the Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands. Dark upperparts with a satiny sheen and pale underparts. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Recently split from Glossy Swiftlet based on genetic and vocal differences.