Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from West Africa across Central Africa into parts of East and southern Africa, frequenting forest edges, wooded savannas, riverine woodland, and clearings. It often forages over gallery forests and above open habitats near water. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes and can be seen over villages and fields. Nests are typically placed in natural tree cavities, dead palms, or holes in large trees and occasionally in crevices.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

fast and agile with rapid wingbeats and brief glides

Social Behavior

Often seen in small to medium flocks, sometimes mixing with other swift species while feeding. Pairs likely nest solitarily or in loose aggregations, using natural cavities in trees or palms and lining them sparingly with plant material bound by saliva. They roost in cavities and may return to the same sites repeatedly.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives high, dry trills and chittering calls while in flight. Vocalizations are brief and repeated, often heard as flocks circle over canopy edges and river corridors.