The mottled swift is a species of bird in the swift family, Apodidae. It is very sparsely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa, although more so throughout East Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across montane and escarpment zones from the Ethiopian Highlands through East Africa and parts of Central Africa. Most records are from rugged terrain with cliffs, gorges, and steep valleys, where nesting crevices are available. It forages widely above adjacent savanna, open woodland, and montane forest edges. Local movements follow rainfall and insect abundance, but it is generally a resident within suitable highland regions.
Altitude Range
600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mottled swift is a large African swift that spends most of its life on the wing, feeding and even drinking in flight. It nests on cliffs and escarpments, often in small colonies, and is adapted to montane environments. Its underparts show distinctive pale mottling rather than the clean white belly of the Alpine swift, aiding identification at a distance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
powerful, fast flight with long glides and short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small to medium flocks, especially near cliffs and over ridgelines where insects concentrate. Breeds colonially or in loose aggregations on cliffs, using crevices or ledges for nests made with feathers and plant fragments cemented with saliva. Both adults share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, harsh screams and buzzy trills typical of swifts. Vocalizations are most frequent around nesting cliffs and when flocks are actively foraging in turbulent air.
Plumage
Sooty to dark brown overall with conspicuous pale mottling and scaling on the breast and belly; throat often paler. Underwings are dark with a slightly lighter panel, and the tail is short and shallowly forked.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on aerial insects, including flying ants and termites, beetles, flies, and other small winged arthropods. Often exploits termite emergences and insect swarms triggered by storms. Captures prey entirely on the wing and drinks by skimming the surface of water while flying.
Preferred Environment
Forages over cliffs, escarpments, and adjacent open habitats such as savanna, farmland, and montane forest edges. Frequently uses updrafts along ridgelines and gorges where flying insects accumulate.
