Little Swift
Apus affinis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-affinis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swift (12-13 cm) widespread across the Old World tropics from Africa through Asia to Australasia. Dark plumage with a white rump and broad, square tail. Aerial insectivore. Commonly nests in colonies on buildings and bridges. One of the most familiar swifts in tropical towns.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 25.3 cm | 10.0 in |
| Weight | 25.0 g | 0.88 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark sooty-brown; large white rump patch; white throat; underparts dark; square-ended tail; widespread from Africa to Asia; the large square white rump patch and square tail distinguish it from other white-rumped swifts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across Africa and Asia from Senegal east to India and Sri Lanka, and southeast to Southeast Asia. Common in urban areas and open country.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively aerial diet; consumes tiny flying insects and spiders, sometimes following insect swarms for km.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PN. Incubation: 22-24 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Sound
Song
Harsh, crackling chatter with emphatic rhythm; series of rough notes delivered at pace with occasional sharp screech.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | Apus affinis |
Distribution
Little Swift has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Little Swift eat?
Where does the Little Swift live?
Is the Little Swift endangered?
How does the Little Swift nest?
What does the Little Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the Little Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family