The Cape Verde swift or Alexander's swift is a small bird of the swift family found only in the Cape Verde Islands. It has been recorded from all the islands except Santa Luzia although it probably breeds only on Santiago, Fogo, Brava, Santo Antão and São Nicolau. It is generally common with a stable population and is not considered to be threatened. The name Alexander's swift commemorates Boyd Alexander, an English ornithologist who led two expeditions to the islands in 1897.
Region
Cape Verde Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs across most of the Cape Verde Islands, foraging widely over towns, arid valleys, cultivated areas, and coastal waters. It is strongly associated with rocky sea cliffs and volcanic escarpments for nesting, but also uses buildings and bridges. Birds often range far from nesting sites while feeding, taking advantage of updrafts and thermals. They are frequently seen hawking insects high over ridges and along leeward coasts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Alexander's swift, it is confined to the Cape Verde archipelago and commonly seen over towns and coastal cliffs. Like other swifts, it spends most of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. It nests in crevices on sea cliffs, lava slopes, and buildings, often in small colonies. The name commemorates English ornithologist Boyd Alexander.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks, especially around nesting cliffs and over settlements. Nests in crevices or holes on cliffs and buildings, typically in loose colonies. Pairs are monogamous and may reuse nest sites across years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched screams and trills, often in excited choruses near colonies. Calls are piercing and carry over long distances, aiding flock cohesion in flight.
