Malagasy Palm Swift
Cypsiurus gracilis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="cypsiurus-gracilis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A slender swift (15-16 cm) endemic to Madagascar. Dark brown plumage with a deeply forked tail. Closely related to African Palm Swift. Aerial insectivore, foraging over open country, towns, and along forest edges. Associated with Ravenala and other palms for nesting.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 24.8 cm | 9.8 in |
| Weight | 12.0 g | 0.42 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Slender; pale grey-brown overall; underparts slightly paler; long deeply forked tail; Malagasy endemic; very similar to African Palm Swift in uniform pale brown coloration but slightly smaller and confined to Madagascar and Comoros.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Resident in open areas with palms and forest edge across Madagascar.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial forager catching small flies, aphids, winged termites, and airborne spiders on the wing.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SA. Incubation: 20 days. Fledging: 29-35 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Sound
Song
Sharp, emphatic chip followed by buzzy rattle; staccato delivery with rising inflection at end of each phrase sequence.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Cypsiurus |
| Species | Cypsiurus gracilis |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Malagasy Palm Swift eat?
Where does the Malagasy Palm Swift live?
Is the Malagasy Palm Swift endangered?
How does the Malagasy Palm Swift nest?
What does the Malagasy Palm Swift sound like?
How big is the Malagasy Palm Swift?
What order and family does the Malagasy Palm Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family