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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À propos
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 41,5 cm | 16.3 in |
| Poids | 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
Répartition géographique
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.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: HC.
Taille de la couvée
1-2
Son
Chant
Rough, coarse chatter with scratchy texture; bursts of harsh notes blending into continuous buzzy trill near nesting cliffs.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Famille | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Tachymarptis |
| Espèces | Tachymarptis aequatorialis |
External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Mottled Swift eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family