Alpine Swift
Tachymarptis melba
Mountains. Large swift with dark brown breast band with white chin and belly
Swifts
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident and summer visitor. Large size and white throat and belly distinguish this from all other swifts. Seen mostly near high cliffs where it breeds and roosts, but also ranges far afield and at great height during the day. Flies with great power and speed, making an audible swishing sound.
Quick Facts
Size
#VALUE!
Names
A: Witpenswindswael
Z: inhlolazulu
Ss: Lehaqasi La Mpasweu
G: Alpensegler
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
Seen mostly near high cliffs where it breeds and roosts, but also ranges far afield and at great height during the day.
