White-rumped Swift
Apus caffer
The White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) is a uncommon swift found in 46 countries, weighing about 22 g. The white-rumped swift is a species of swift.
About the White-rumped Swift
The white-rumped swift is a species of swift. Although this small bird is superficially similar to a house martin, it is not closely related to that passerine species. The resemblances between the swallows and swifts are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This 14–15.5 cm (5.5–6.1 in) long species has, like some relatives, a short forked tail and long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. It is entirely dark except for a pale throat patch and a narrow white rump. It is similar to the closely related little swift, but is slimmer, darker and has a more forked tail and a narrower white rump. Voice: This is a quiet species compared to little swift, but a twittering trill is sometimes given.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Sweden, Morocco, Italy, Mauritania, United Kingdom, Gambia, Senegal, Sudan.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in December. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-rumped Swift?
- This 14–15.5 cm (5.5–6.1 in) long species has, like some relatives, a short forked tail and long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-rumped Swift?
- The White-rumped Swift is a small sized bird weighing about 22 g.
- Where can you see a White-rumped Swift?
- The White-rumped Swift occurs in 46 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Namibia.
- What birds look similar to a White-rumped Swift?
- The White-rumped Swift is most easily confused with the Pallid Swift, the House Swift and the Fork-tailed Swift.
- Is the White-rumped Swift endangered?
- The White-rumped Swift is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-rumped Swift for real
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