Polynesian Swiftlet vs African Swift

Aerodramus leucophaeus comparado con Apus barbatus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Atributo Polynesian Swiftlet African Swift
Nombre científico Aerodramus leucophaeus Apus barbatus
Orden Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgiformes
Familia Apodidae Apodidae
Estado de conservación Least Concern Least Concern
Longitud
Envergadura 23,7 cm (9.3 in) 34,2 cm (13.5 in)
Peso 13,4 g (0.47 oz) 42,666666666666664 g (1.51 oz)
Dieta Aerial insectivore catching tiny flying insects, midges, and airborne spiders in fast low-altitude flight near … Completely aerial diet of small flying insects and spiders; never forages on the ground or …
Tamaño de la puesta 2 1-2
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Hábitats compartidos

Ninguno

Polynesian Swiftlet only

African Swift only

Ninguno

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Song & Call Comparison

Polynesian Swiftlet

Canto

High twittering; thin 'chip-chip' over French Polynesian islands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; light-colored underparts distinguish it visually; calls unremarkable

African Swift

Canto

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

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Geographic Range & Migration

Polynesian Swiftlet

Found across French Polynesia including the Society Islands, Marquesas, and Tuamotu. Resident in forest and open areas; nests in sea caves.

African Swift

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

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Estado de conservación

Least Concern

Polynesian Swiftlet

Least Concern

African Swift

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How to Tell Them Apart

Polynesian Swiftlet

Plumaje

Small; dark brown-grey upperparts with minimal gloss; pale grey rump band; underparts whitish-grey; forked tail; East Polynesian endemic from Society Islands; slightly more uniformly dark than some Pacific congeners.

African Swift

Plumaje

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.

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About These Birds

Polynesian Swiftlet

El vencejo de la Polinesia habita en las islas de la Polinesia francesa. Nidifica en cuevas y escarpes rocosos. Vulnerable a los cambios medioambientales y los depredadores introducidos. Familia Apodidae.

African Swift

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.

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