The African black swift, also known as the African swift or black swift, is a medium-sized bird in the swift family. It breeds in Africa discontinuously from Liberia, Cameroon, Zaire, Uganda and Kenya southwards to South Africa. The "black swifts" of Madagascar and the Comoros are either taken as two subspecies of the African black swift, or otherwise deemed a full species, the Malagasy black swift.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
This species is patchily distributed from West Africa through the highlands of Central and East Africa south to South Africa. It favors rugged terrain with cliffs, gorges, and escarpments near open airspace for foraging. Birds commonly forage over montane grasslands, savanna, agricultural areas, and coastlines, often ranging far from nesting sites. They are frequently seen in mixed flocks with other swift species in updrafts along ridgelines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African black swift is an aerial specialist that spends most of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. It breeds colonially on cliffs and escarpments and is often seen wheeling high above montane landscapes. It can be confused with other dark swifts, but is typically bulkier with long, narrow, scythe-like wings. Local forms on Madagascar and the Comoros are sometimes treated as a separate species, the Malagasy black swift.
From a spot at the top of a cliff at Hlokozi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast with rapid, stiff wingbeats interspersed with long glides
Social Behavior
Typically nests colonially on steep cliffs and in crevices, with pairs returning to traditional sites. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, they form loose flocks and may join other swift species where insects are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screams and trills delivered in flight, especially around breeding colonies. Calls carry well over valleys and ridges and intensify during aerial chases.
