White-rumped Swift
Apus caffer
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-caffer"></birdfyi-bird>The White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 29 cm and a weight of 23 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 29.0 cm | 11.4 in |
| Weight | 23.0 g | 0.81 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark sooty-brown; narrow elongated white rump patch; white throat; underparts dark; forked tail; African species; narrower and more elongated white rump than Little Swift; deeply forked tail unlike the square tail of Little Swift.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in southern Europe and North Africa east to Central Asia. Migratory; winters in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal south to South Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal columns.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC,O. Incubation: 21-22 days. Fledging: 42-46 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Sound
Song
Deep, guttural churring with resonant buzzing quality; prolonged low-frequency trill vibrating persistently through dense foliage.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | Apus caffer |
Distribution
White-rumped Swift has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the White-rumped Swift eat?
Where does the White-rumped Swift live?
Is the White-rumped Swift endangered?
How does the White-rumped Swift nest?
What does the White-rumped Swift sound like?
How big is the White-rumped Swift?
What order and family does the White-rumped Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family