Introduction
The Asian Palm Swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis, is a small member of the swift family, Apodidae. It is recognised for its slender shape, long narrow wings, deeply forked tail and close association with palm trees. Most individuals remain airborne while feeding, catching small insects over open country, cultivated land, gardens and settlements.
Physical Description
The Asian Palm Swift is approximately 13 centimetres long. It has a slim, streamlined body, long swept-back wings and a long, deeply forked tail that may appear narrow and pointed when closed. The plumage is mainly brown to brown-grey, with paler underparts and subtle lighter areas on the throat and upper breast. Its subdued colouring can make it difficult to pick out against a bright sky.
The sexes are similar in appearance. Young birds are generally duller and have shorter tails than adults. Like other swifts, the species has very short legs and is poorly adapted to walking on the ground. It normally clings to vertical surfaces or remains in flight.
Range and Habitat
The Asian Palm Swift occurs across tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia, from the Indian subcontinent through mainland Southeast Asia and parts of southern China to Indonesia and the Philippines. The species is generally resident, although local movements may occur in response to weather, food availability or breeding conditions.
It favours open country, cultivated areas, towns, gardens and lightly wooded landscapes where palms are available for nesting. Fan palms, oil palms and other tall palms are particularly important. The species may also occur around forest edges and in open areas within otherwise forested regions. It is usually associated with lowlands and foothills, although it can occur at higher elevations in suitable habitat.
Where to See This Species
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
The Asian Palm Swift has been recorded at Singapore Botanic Gardens, where it can be watched flying over open lawns and around the palm plantings in Palm Valley. Look especially around the Livistona palms and other tall palms, where the species may forage and nest. The Gardens are publicly accessible and open daily.
Nearby accommodation: Central Singapore provides a wide choice of hotels, guest houses and serviced apartments, with convenient access to the Gardens.
Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
The Asian Palm Swift is included in the bird checklist for Corbett National Park. Open woodland, grassland, riverine clearings and cultivated areas around the park provide suitable foraging habitat, particularly where palms and other tall trees occur. The species is most likely to be detected in flight over open areas rather than inside dense forest.
Nearby accommodation: Ramnagar is the main gateway settlement, with forest lodges, hotels, guest houses and camps near the park entrances.
Mukuruthi National Park, Tamil Nadu, India
The Asian Palm Swift is recorded in the avifaunal checklist for Mukuruthi National Park in the Nilgiri Hills. Although the park is predominantly montane, open grassy slopes, forest edges and clearings can provide suitable aerial-feeding areas. Sightings are likely to be local and may depend on weather and insect activity.
Nearby accommodation: Ooty is the nearest practical base, offering hotels, guest houses, lodges and self-catering accommodation.
Behaviour and Diet
Asian Palm Swifts are usually seen singly, in pairs or in small groups, although several may gather where flying insects are abundant. They spend much of the day on the wing, using fast, twisting flight to pursue insects in the air. They may forage over fields, gardens, wetlands, water bodies and open woodland, sometimes flying relatively low.
The diet consists mainly of small aerial insects, including flying ants, termites, beetles and other soft-bodied insects. Food is taken in flight, and the species may drink while flying over water.
Breeding is closely associated with palms. The nest is a small, shallow cup or bracket made from plant fibres, down, feathers and other light material. Saliva helps bind the materials together and attach the nest to the underside of a palm frond, often on a fan palm. Two eggs are usual, although clutch size can vary. Both adults contribute to caring for the young, and breeding may occur during more than one season where local conditions remain favourable.
Identification Tips
- Look for a small, slim, brownish swift with very long, narrow wings.
- The long, deeply forked tail is a key feature, although it may look almost needle-like when closed.
- The species is strongly associated with palms, open country and cultivated landscapes.
- Its flight is fast, agile and often lower than that of larger, more uniformly dark swifts.
- The brown-grey plumage is relatively plain, without the bold white markings shown by some other swift species.
- Do not confuse it with swallows, which usually have more obvious perching behaviour and a different wing and tail shape. The Asian Palm Swift rarely lands in exposed places and is generally observed in flight or clinging to vertical surfaces.
Conservation Status
The Asian Palm Swift is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The species has an extremely large geographic range, and its global population is not currently considered to be declining at a rate that would qualify it for a threatened category. The population size has not been quantified.
Potential local pressures include the removal of mature palms, loss of open feeding areas, habitat conversion and changes in agricultural land use. Maintaining mature palms in gardens, settlements, farmland and protected areas can help preserve nesting opportunities. Reducing unnecessary clearance of palm fronds during the breeding season may also benefit local breeding birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Asian Palm Swift?
The accepted scientific name is Cypsiurus balasiensis. It belongs to the swift family, Apodidae.
Where does the Asian Palm Swift live?
It occurs across tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, mainland Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It favours open habitats, cultivated areas, gardens and settlements with suitable palms.
What does the Asian Palm Swift eat?
It feeds mainly on small flying insects such as flying ants, termites, beetles and other aerial insects captured during flight.
Does the Asian Palm Swift migrate?
It is generally a resident species. Local movements may occur, but it is not usually regarded as a long-distance migrant.
Where does the Asian Palm Swift build its nest?
It usually builds a small, shallow nest on the underside of a palm frond. Plant fibres, down and feathers are bound with saliva and attached to the leaf.
Is the Asian Palm Swift endangered?
No. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although local populations may be affected by the loss of mature palms and suitable open habitat.
References
- BirdLife International and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- National Parks Board, Singapore
- Hails and Turner, Ibis
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