The dark-rumped swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Bhutan and Northeast India and is a vagrant to Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Eastern Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs in Bhutan and northeastern India, with occasional vagrancy to Thailand. It is most often seen over subtropical and tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, and along river valleys and open clearings where aerial insects concentrate. The species frequently forages high above the canopy but will descend over streams and forest edges during hatches. Breeding is believed to occur on cliffs and rocky escarpments, and sometimes on man-made structures with suitable crevices.
Altitude Range
200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dark-rumped swift is a high-speed aerial insectivore that spends most of its life on the wing, even drinking and bathing in flight. It lacks the contrasting white rump seen in some related swifts, giving it a uniformly dark appearance. It is localized in the eastern Himalayan foothills and is easily overlooked as it often forages high above the canopy. Habitat loss in its limited range may affect nesting and feeding opportunities.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats and long glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in loose flocks, sometimes mixed with other swift species over forested slopes and rivers. Likely forms small breeding colonies on cliff faces, with pairs nesting in crevices. Both adults are presumed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Little time is spent on the ground, and birds roost on vertical surfaces.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched, piercing screams and sharp twittering calls during flight. Vocalizations are most frequent during aerial chases and around nesting sites and can carry over long distances.
