Bradfield's Swift
Apus bradfieldi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-bradfieldi"></birdfyi-bird>The Bradfield's Swift (Apus bradfieldi) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 35.2 cm and a weight of 44.2 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized swift (16-17 cm) found in arid rocky regions of southwestern Africa (Namibia, Angola, western South Africa). Pale sandy-brown plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over arid gorges and escarpments. Named after R.D.M. Bradfield. A southern African near-endemic.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.2 cm | 13.9 in |
| Weight | 44.25 g | 1.56 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark sooty-brown overall; pale greyish throat patch; underparts slightly paler; large for an African Apus swift; Southern Africa dry-country specialist; slightly larger and greyer-toned than Pallid Swift with less pale wing-covert edging.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Namibia and adjacent parts of South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. Resident in rocky desert, escarpment cliffs, and semi-arid terrain.
Diet & Feeding
Entirely aerial insectivore consuming swarms of tiny flies, winged ants, and ballooning spiders on the wing.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Pure, whistled two-note phrase; first note high and sustained, second lower and brief, repeated every few seconds clearly.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | Apus bradfieldi |
Distribution
Bradfield's Swift has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bradfield's Swift eat?
Where does the Bradfield's Swift live?
Is the Bradfield's Swift endangered?
How does the Bradfield's Swift nest?
What does the Bradfield's Swift sound like?
How big is the Bradfield's Swift?
What order and family does the Bradfield's Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family