White-rumped Swift
Apus caffer
Common in towns. Fork-tailed with white crescent shape on lower back. Fast flyer.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Very common summer resident. Most easily confused with [Horus Swift], but has a slimmer build, more deeply forked tail and thin white ‘half moon’ on the rump that does not extend over the sides of the body. Occurs in pairs or small, loose groups anywhere except the most arid regions; common in suburbia, frequently occupying swallows’ nests attached to buildings.
Quick Facts
Size
15 cm - S
Names
A: Witkruiswindswael
Z: uNonqane
Ss: Lehaqasi La Nkotosweu
G: Weißbürzelsegler
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
