Bates's swift is a species of small swift in the family Apodidae which is found in western Africa.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits lowland and foothill rainforest zones from southern Nigeria through Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and into northern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is most often seen circling above the forest canopy, over river corridors, and along forest edges and clearings. The species favors humid evergreen forests but will range over nearby secondary growth and farmland edges while foraging. It can gather in mixed-species swift flocks over productive aerial insect swarms.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bates's swift is a small, forest-associated swift named after naturalist George L. Bates, who worked extensively in Cameroon. Like other swifts, it spends the vast majority of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. It is often overlooked because it is uniformly dark and resembles other small Apus swifts, but it lacks the white rump of the Little Swift.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, scything flight with rapid, stiff wingbeats interspersed with short glides
Social Behavior
Often forages in small to medium flocks, frequently with other swift species above the canopy. Breeds in small colonies or loose aggregations, with pairs nesting in natural cavities such as tree holes or crevices. Monogamous pairs share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, thin screams and twittering calls delivered in flight. Calls are most frequent during social foraging and near nesting areas, carrying well over the forest.
