Polynesian Swiftlet vs African Swift
Aerodramus leucophaeus comparé à Apus barbatus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Polynesian Swiftlet | African Swift |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Aerodramus leucophaeus | Apus barbatus |
| Ordre | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Famille | Apodidae | Apodidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | — | — |
| Envergure | 23,7 cm (9.3 in) | 34,2 cm (13.5 in) |
| Poids | 13,4 g (0.47 oz) | 42,666666666666664 g (1.51 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | 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 … |
| Taille de la couvée | 2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Polynesian Swiftlet
High twittering; thin 'chip-chip' over French Polynesian islands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; light-colored underparts distinguish it visually; calls unremarkable
African Swift
Sharp, piercing screech followed by rapid chatter; intense series of notes escalating in speed and volume before fading.
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.
Statut de conservation
Polynesian Swiftlet
African Swift
How to Tell Them Apart
Polynesian Swiftlet
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
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.
About These Birds
Polynesian Swiftlet
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) found across French Polynesia, including the Society, Marquesas, and Austral Islands. Dark grey plumage with whitish underparts. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Population fragmented across widely scattered Pacific islands.
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.