African Swift

Apus barbatus

Least Concern

Wingspan

34.2 cm

Weight

42.666666666666664 g

Family

Apodidae

Order

Caprimulgiformes

About

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.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value	Imperial
Wingspan	34.2 cm	13.5 in
Weight	42.666666666666664 g	1.51 oz

Identification

Plumage

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.

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Found across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. One of Africa's most common swift species.

Diet & Feeding

Completely aerial diet of small flying insects and spiders; never forages on the ground or in vegetation.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: PL.

Clutch Size

1-2

Sound

Song

Sharp, piercing screech followed by rapid chatter; intense series of notes escalating in speed and volume before fading.

Taxonomy

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Family	Apodidae (Swifts)
Genus	Apus
Species	Apus barbatus

Distribution

African Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded