African Palm Swift
Cypsiurus parvus
Vicinity of palm trees, common in towns. Small, slender-winged brown swift with deeply forked tail.
Swifts
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. The most slender, longest-tailed swift; entirely grey-brown. Usually occurs in flocks, flying rapidly around tall palm trees where they roost and nest, less commonly under bridges and eaves of buildings. May mix with other swifts when feeding, but slim build diagnostic.
Quick Facts
Size
17 cm - S
Names
A: Palmwindswael
Z: Ijianlomelimlotha
Ss: Lehaqasi La Palema
G: Palmensegler
Bird Family
All-dark birds, some with white markings. The sexes are alike, and immatures are similar to adults. They are entirely aerial in habit. They feed on airborne insects, never intentionally settling on the ground or a perch. They cling to vertical surfaces or scramble into crevices and their nests, which are glued into place with sticky saliva. Their calls are high-pitched screams. For comparison, see swallows and martins.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
