About the Cape Verde Swift
The Cape Verde swift or Alexander's swift is a small bird of the swift family found only in the Cape Verde Islands. It has been recorded from all the islands except Santa Luzia although it probably breeds only on Santiago, Fogo, Brava, Santo Antão and São Nicolau. It is generally common with a stable population and is not considered to be threatened. The name Alexander's swift commemorates Boyd Alexander, an English ornithologist who led two expeditions to the islands in 1897.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It is 13 cm long with a wingspan of 34 to 35 cm. The plumage is dark grey-brown with a large pale throat patch. Compared to other swifts recorded from the islands it is smaller with shorter wings and a shallower fork to the tail. Its flight action is weaker and more fluttering. It has a high-pitched, screaming call with a buzzing quality.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Cape Verde Swift lives
When to see the Cape Verde Swift
Peak activity in April · a passage migrant species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Forbes-Watson's SwiftApus berlioziForbes-Watson's swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae.
Bates's SwiftApus batesiBates's swift is a small, slender swift with a deeply forked tail which is often held closed to form a point.
Dark-rumped SwiftApus acuticaudaThe dark-rumped swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae.
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