The Asian palm swift is a small swift. It is very similar to the African palm swift, Cypsiurus parvus, and was formerly considered to be the same species.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian subcontinent through mainland Southeast Asia and parts of the Malay Archipelago. It favors landscapes where palms are common, including coconut plantations, village edges, parks, and urban areas. Frequently forages above open fields, water bodies, and along forest edges. Often found near human settlements where ornamental or cultivated palms are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Asian palm swift is a small, slender swift closely associated with palm trees, where it often nests beneath drooping fronds. It is very similar to the African palm swift (Cypsiurus parvus) and was formerly treated as conspecific. Remarkably, it uses sticky saliva to glue its nest and even its eggs to swaying palm fronds, an adaptation to windy, exposed sites. It spends most of its life on the wing, taking tiny aerial insects over open areas and towns.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in loose flocks, especially when feeding over open areas. Nests in loose colonies on the undersides of palm fronds, building shallow saucer nests glued in place with saliva. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and may reuse favored palm sites across years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits high-pitched, thin twittering calls while in flight, often given during chases. Vocalizations are simple, rapid chips and trills rather than a melodious song.
