The African palm swift is a small swift. It is very similar to the Asian palm swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis, and was formerly considered to be the same species. The Malagasy palm swift was also recently split from this species. This is a common species with a very wide distribution which faces no obvious threats and may be increasing in numbers as a result of the cultivation of the exotic Washington palm, so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and southwest Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from savannas and dry woodland to towns and plantations, and extends into coastal Yemen and southwest Saudi Arabia. It is strongly tied to areas with palms, including native date and oil palms as well as cultivated coconut and ornamental Washingtonia. Common around human settlements, hotel gardens, and irrigated farms where palms are planted. Generally avoids dense closed-canopy forests, preferring open skies for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This swift is tightly associated with palms and often nests on the underside of palm fronds, fixing a flimsy nest and even its eggs with sticky saliva. It is very similar to the Asian palm swift but occurs across Africa, with the Malagasy palm swift now treated as a separate species. Urban planting of ornamental Washingtonia palms has expanded its nesting opportunities, and the species shows well over hotel gardens and plantations at dusk.
Eggs of Cypsiurus parvus MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, scything flight with rapid flickering wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks, especially around palms and over water. Nests are small pads glued to the underside of palm fronds using saliva; eggs may be cemented to the nest. Pairs breed near clusters of suitable palms and may nest semi-colonially where fronds are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives high, thin twittering calls while in swift, looping flight. Vocalizations are continuous during group foraging and become more excited near nest sites.
Plumage
Uniform sandy to brownish-grey with a slightly paler throat and underparts; sleek, glossy-looking feathers adapted for fast aerial flight.
Diet
Feeds on aerial insects captured in continuous flight, including flies, ants, termites, small beetles, and other tiny flying invertebrates. Often exploits termite and ant alate swarms after rains. Takes advantage of insect concentrations over water and around lights in towns.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open habitats, palm belts, plantations, river edges, and urban gardens. Frequently patrols above palm crowns and along tree lines where insects are lifted by thermals and breezes.
