Mottled Swift
Tachymarptis aequatorialis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="tachymarptis-aequatorialis"></birdfyi-bird>The Mottled Swift (Tachymarptis aequatorialis) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 41.5 cm and a weight of 94 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A large swift (20-22 cm) found in montane regions of eastern and southern Africa, typically at 1,500-3,000 m elevation. Dark plumage with mottled white underparts and throat. Aerial insectivore. Often seen in large flocks soaring over mountain escarpments and gorges.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 41.5 cm | 16.3 in |
| Weight | 94.0 g | 3.32 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large; dark brown upperparts; mottled white and brown underparts with white scales on each feather creating scaled appearance; pale throat; African montane species closely related to Alpine Swift but with mottled rather than banded underparts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across equatorial Africa from Guinea east to Ethiopia and south to Zambia. Resident in highland forests and rocky cliffs at 900–3,400 m.
Diet & Feeding
Entirely airborne feeder on tiny flies, gnats, and airborne arachnids; one of the most aerial of all birds.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Rough, coarse chatter with scratchy texture; bursts of harsh notes blending into continuous buzzy trill near nesting cliffs.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Tachymarptis |
| Species | Tachymarptis aequatorialis |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mottled Swift eat?
Where does the Mottled Swift live?
Is the Mottled Swift endangered?
How does the Mottled Swift nest?
What does the Mottled Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the Mottled Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family