Introduction
The African Palm Swift, Cypsiurus parvus, is a small resident swift of sub-Saharan Africa and south-western Arabia. It is strongly associated with palm trees, which provide important nesting and roosting sites. The species spends most of its time in flight, catching insects above savannas, woodlands, wetlands and settled areas.
Physical Description
The African Palm Swift is about 16 centimetres long and weighs approximately 10–18 grams. It has a slim, streamlined body, long narrow wings and a deeply forked tail suited to fast, manoeuvrable flight. The plumage is generally pale grey-brown to sandy brown, with darker flight feathers and paler underparts. Its subdued colouring can make it difficult to see against palm trunks, dry vegetation and bright skies.
Males and females are alike in appearance. Juveniles are generally less sharply defined than adults, but reliable field separation by age is difficult. As with other swifts, the legs and feet are adapted mainly for clinging to vertical surfaces rather than walking on the ground.
Range and Habitat
The African Palm Swift is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from West and Central Africa through East and southern Africa. Its range also extends into south-western Arabia, including suitable areas of Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It is a resident species rather than a long-distance migrant, although local movements may occur in response to food availability and weather.
The species is most closely associated with palm-dominated habitats, including palm savannas, river margins, open woodland, dry-country wadis and lightly wooded cultivated areas. It can also occur in towns and other settled landscapes where suitable palms have been retained or planted. It has been recorded from sea level to about 1,800 metres, although it is most often encountered in warm lowland and lower-elevation environments.
The African Palm Swift was formerly treated more broadly in some taxonomic works. The Malagasy Palm Swift, Cypsiurus gracilis, is now recognised as a separate species, so records from Madagascar should not automatically be assigned to the African Palm Swift.
Where to See This Species
Kruger National Park, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa
SANParks lists the African Palm Swift as a resident species in the park. Look over palm-containing riverine areas, open woodland and camp surroundings, particularly where tall palms provide nesting and roosting sites. It may be seen flying rapidly above the canopy or crossing open areas while feeding.
Nearby accommodation: Accommodation is available in Kruger’s rest camps, bush camps, campsites and lodges, with Skukuza providing one of the park’s largest accommodation and visitor-service centres.
Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo, South Africa
The official SANParks bird checklist records the African Palm Swift at Mapungubwe National Park. The park’s open woodland, riverine vegetation and palm-associated habitats provide suitable places to search, especially around areas with mature palms and open airspace above the vegetation.
Nearby accommodation: The park provides camps and self-catering accommodation, while Alldays and Musina are the nearest practical towns for additional guest houses, lodges and other visitor accommodation.
Behaviour and Diet
African Palm Swifts spend most of the day airborne and usually forage above trees, palms and open ground. They catch small flying insects in flight, including flies, termites, ants, beetles and other small bugs. They may join mixed feeding groups with swallows and other swift species, particularly where flying insects are abundant.
The species is also capable of drinking while flying by skimming or dipping over suitable freshwater. It normally returns to palm trees or other vertical surfaces to roost.
Breeding may occur throughout much of the year in warm parts of the range, with seasonal peaks in some southern populations. The shallow nest is made from feathers and plant material bound together with saliva and attached to a drooping palm frond. The nest may be placed on the upper or lower surface of a frond, depending on local conditions and nest construction. African Palm Swifts may breed alone or in small to moderately sized colonies.
Clutches usually contain one or two eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the nestlings. Incubation lasts about 18–22 days, and young birds generally leave the nest after approximately four weeks, although timing varies with conditions.
Identification Tips
- Look for a small, pale brown or grey-brown swift with long, narrow, swept-back wings.
- The deeply forked tail and rapid, twisting flight are useful clues when the bird is seen against open sky.
- Search around mature palms, especially in warm savanna, riverine and urban environments.
- The species often flies lower than larger swifts and may make repeated circuits around palm crowns while feeding.
- It can be confused with other small swifts at a distance, but its close association with palms, relatively small size, pale brown plumage and strongly forked tail are helpful in combination.
- Do not rely on a perched view on the ground. Like other swifts, it normally clings to vertical surfaces and is much more often observed in flight.
Conservation Status
The African Palm Swift is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The assessment identifies its very large geographic range and indicates that the population trend is increasing, although the total population has not been quantified.
The species is adaptable and can use palms in modified landscapes, including towns and agricultural areas. Localised problems may still arise where mature palms and palm groves are removed, nesting fronds are destroyed or suitable riverine and woodland habitat is cleared. Maintaining mature palms, protecting natural vegetation and monitoring regional populations are appropriate conservation measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the African Palm Swift be found?
It occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of south-western Arabia. It is most often found in warm open habitats with palms, including savannas, woodland edges, river margins, wadis and towns.
What does the African Palm Swift eat?
It feeds mainly on small flying insects, including flies, termites, ants, beetles and other small bugs captured in the air.
Does the African Palm Swift migrate?
It is generally a resident species. Local movements may occur, but it is not regarded as a long-distance migrant.
Where does the African Palm Swift build its nest?
It builds a shallow, saliva-bound nest on a drooping palm frond. The nest is made from feathers and plant material and may occur singly or in a small colony.
How many eggs does it lay?
A typical clutch contains one or two eggs. Both parents share incubation and the care of the nestlings.
How can the African Palm Swift be identified?
Look for a small pale brown swift with long narrow wings, a deeply forked tail and fast, agile flight around palm trees. It is usually easiest to identify while flying rather than perched.
References
- BirdLife International
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- South African National Parks
Related posts
