Animals Details

Scientific Name
Apus affinis
Category
Aves
Created on Date
2024-10-11 13:40:30
Common Name
Little swift
Synonym(s)
Little swift
Family
Apodidae
Status
Live
Description

*Apus affinis*, commonly known as the little swift, is a small, agile bird belonging to the family Apodidae. This species is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia, as well as parts of Europe and Africa. Measuring approximately 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 inches) in length, the little swift has a streamlined body with long, narrow wings and a short, forked tail. Its plumage is mostly dark brown to black, which provides excellent camouflage against the sky during flight. A distinguishing feature is its pale throat and lighter belly, which contrasts with its darker upperparts.


Little swifts are highly aerial birds, spending most of their lives in the air. They are known for their incredible speed and agility, often seen soaring and swooping in search of food, primarily consisting of flying insects and aerial plankton. Their unique ability to catch prey while in flight makes them highly adapted to an aerial lifestyle.


These birds typically nest in colonies, using small crevices in buildings, cliffs, or trees to create their nests, which are made from saliva and plant materials. They lay 2 to 5 eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. Their remarkable flying skills and social behavior make little swifts a fascinating sight in their natural habitats.

Location