Blyth's swift is a small species of bird. It is superficially similar to a house martin, but completely unrelated to those passerine species, as swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles.
Region
Himalayas and South Asia
Typical Environment
It breeds mainly along the western and central Himalayas from Afghanistan and Pakistan through northern India and Nepal. During the non-breeding season it moves south across the Indian subcontinent, with many wintering in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. It forages widely over valleys, foothills, agricultural plains, and towns while on passage. Nesting is typically on cliffs and occasionally tall buildings, using crevices and ledges near sheer faces.
Altitude Range
500–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blyth's swift spends most of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. It resembles swallows and martins in shape and behavior, but is unrelated—this is a classic example of convergent evolution. In the field it is best told from similar Pacific swift species by its broad white rump band and slightly deeper forked tail.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid scything wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often forms loose to large flocks, especially on migration and over rich feeding areas. Nests in small colonies on cliffs or tall man-made structures, placing nests in cracks and ledges. Both sexes share incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, piercing screams and sharp twittering calls given in flight. Calls intensify around colonies and when birds swirl in tight groups.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to blackish overall with a contrasting broad white rump band and a small pale throat patch; underwings show slightly paler feather edges giving a scaled look.
Diet
An aerial insectivore, taking small to medium flying insects such as flies, beetles, winged ants, termites, and other aerial plankton. It captures prey on the wing with its wide gape, often at considerable height. Feeding flocks gather where insect swarms concentrate, including over water and along ridgelines.
Preferred Environment
Feeds over open skies above valleys, forest edges, agricultural fields, lakes, and towns. Frequently uses updrafts along cliffs and escarpments to forage efficiently.
