The house swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Japan, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. It is capable of flying long distances by alternately shutting off hemispheres of its brain in-flight.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills through southern China and Taiwan to Japan and widely across mainland and maritime Southeast Asia. Common in towns and cities where it nests on buildings, but also along cliffs, gorges, and near large bridges. Frequently forages above rivers, lakes, coastlines, and open urban spaces. Often remains year-round in tropical parts of its range, with some seasonal movements in cooler regions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The house swift is a fast, highly aerial bird that spends most of its life on the wing, even drinking and bathing in flight. It often nests in colonies under the eaves of buildings and bridges, using saliva to glue feathers and plant fibers into a small cup. Like other swifts, it can sleep while flying and may rest one brain hemisphere at a time to maintain long-distance flight.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms dense aerial flocks over towns and waterways. Nests colonially on vertical surfaces, especially under eaves and bridges, building small saliva-bound nests. Pairs are generally monogamous and often reuse nesting sites across years.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A high-pitched, chittering and buzzing series of notes, often delivered in excited exchanges during fast chases. Calls carry well over urban areas and are most frequent near colonies.
