Little Swift

Overview

The little swift (Apus affinis) is a small bird of the order Apodiformes found across Africa, southwestern Asia, and southern Europe. It thrives in both urban environments and rocky cliff habitats, where it constructs nests typical of swifts.

Identification

• Very small size with a wingspan of only 33 cm, notably smaller than the common swift.
• Entirely black plumage, distinguished by a white throat and a white rump patch that extends onto the flanks.
• Short, square tail with round-tipped feathers and very short legs used exclusively for clinging to vertical surfaces.
• Flight is fluttering, similar to that of a house martin, accompanied by a high twittering call.

Habitat

This species ranges from southern Spain through Africa to southern Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, with local populations in southwestern Asia and southern Europe. It inhabits areas with human habitation and rocky cliffs, and while many individuals are resident, some populations migrate to winter further south.

Diet

Little swifts feed on insects caught in mid-air, spending the majority of their lives flying. They are capable of drinking on the wing but do not voluntarily settle on the ground, roosting instead on vertical cliffs or walls.

Did you know?

A species of bedbug, Cimex hemipterus, has been recorded inhabiting the nests of little swifts in India. The genus name Apus reflects an ancient belief that these birds were swallows without feet.