Cook's swift is a small bird, superficially similar to a house martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found across parts of mainland Southeast Asia, typically over forested hills, open country, and near rocky escarpments. It frequently forages above valleys, rivers, agricultural fields, and towns, taking advantage of rising air currents. Nesting is usually on sheer cliffs or occasionally on tall buildings and bridges, where ledges and crevices provide secure sites. The species forms local colonies and can be seen in mixed swift flocks.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Cook's swift is a small, fast-flying aerial insectivore that spends most of its life on the wing. Though superficially similar to swallows and martins, it is unrelated; the resemblance is a classic case of convergent evolution. Its tiny, forward-pointing feet are adapted for clinging to vertical surfaces rather than perching, and it often nests on cliffs or tall human structures.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, with rapid wingbeats and sweeping glides
Social Behavior
Often forages in loose to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixed with other swift species. Pairs breed in small colonies on cliffs or tall buildings, placing nests on narrow ledges or in crevices. They are monogamous within a season and exhibit strong site fidelity to successful nest locations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screams and twittering calls given in flight, especially around colonies. The calls carry well over valleys and cliffs, aiding flock cohesion.
Plumage
Sooty to dark brown overall with a slightly paler throat and a narrow, often broken pale rump band. Wings are long and scythe-like with a swift, stiff-winged profile; tail slightly forked. Plumage appears almost black in bright light but shows brown tones at close range.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on aerial insects such as flies, ants, termites, small beetles, and other wind-borne invertebrates. It captures prey on the wing, often high above the ground but also low over fields and water. Feeding height and areas shift with weather, wind, and insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Commonly hunts above forest edges, river corridors, agricultural clearings, and urban airspace where thermals and insect concentrations occur. Cliffs and escarpments provide both foraging updrafts and nesting sites.
