Madagascar Swift
Apus balstoni
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-balstoni"></birdfyi-bird>The Madagascar Swift (Apus balstoni) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 32.2 cm and a weight of 46.1 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized swift (15-16 cm) found across Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Dark plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forests and open areas. Closely related to African Swift. Resident population. Limited published ecological data compared to continental relatives.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.2 cm | 12.7 in |
| Weight | 46.125 g | 1.63 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark sooty-brown overall; pale whitish throat patch; underparts slightly paler brown; moderately forked tail; Malagasy endemic; one of the heavier island Apus swifts; closely resembles African Swift but restricted to Madagascar.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Resident in open habitats including savanna, coastal areas, and highland grassland.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds exclusively on aerial plankton — tiny flies, aphids, and spiders — captured in continuous fast flight.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Soft twittering with delicate clicking elements; light, airy notes tumbling quickly in loose sequence near water sources.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | Apus balstoni |
Distribution
Madagascar Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Madagascar Swift eat?
Where does the Madagascar Swift live?
Is the Madagascar Swift endangered?
What does the Madagascar Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the Madagascar Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family