The Nyanza swift is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Eritrea and Ethiopia south through South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Favors escarpments, rocky gorges, and highland valleys, but also forages over savanna, farmland, and towns. Roosts and nests on sheer cliff faces and sometimes on large human structures. Frequently seen in mixed flocks with other swifts and swallows over lakes and rivers where insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A fast, scythe-winged aerial insect hunter, the Nyanza swift spends most of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. It often nests on cliffs and occasionally on tall buildings, forming loose colonies. It can be tricky to distinguish from other dark swifts, but its structure, calls, and subtle throat paleness help. Local movements often track rainfall and insect swarms.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, agile flier with rapid wingbeats and long glides
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks, frequently mixing with other swift species above open areas. Nests colonially on cliffs and occasionally large buildings, adhering nests in crevices or ledges. Pairs are monogamous within a breeding season and both sexes share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits sharp, high-pitched screams and twittering calls typical of swifts. Vocalizations intensify around nesting sites and when flocking in fast aerial chases.
Plumage
Uniform sooty-brown to blackish with slightly paler throat and underparts; glossy in good light. Long, narrow, scythe-shaped wings and a shallowly forked tail. Overall smooth, sleek feathering suited for continuous flight.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on small flying insects such as flies, termites, and beetles caught in continuous flight. Often exploits hatches and termite emergences, sometimes at considerable height. Will forage over water bodies, open woodland, and cultivated fields where insect density is high. Frequently joins mixed aerial feeding flocks with other swifts and swallows.
Preferred Environment
Open airspace above cliffs, escarpments, and highland valleys, as well as over lakes and rivers. Common over towns and farmland where thermals and rising air concentrate insects.
