Salim Ali's swift is a small bird, superficially similar to a house martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly along the Himalayan arc and adjacent highlands, and winters farther south in the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. It frequents open skies over mountains, forested valleys, and agricultural plains, often ranging widely over ridges and river corridors. During migration it can occur over urban areas and coastlines. Roosting and nesting are typically on cliffs or tall human structures with ledges or crevices.
Altitude Range
0–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Salim Ali's swift is a small aerial insectivore named after the Indian ornithologist Sálim Ali. It looks superficially like a house martin, but swifts are unrelated to passerines and belong to Apodiformes, a resemblance shaped by convergent evolution. This species was split from the Pacific swift complex and is best identified by structure and subtle plumage features rather than by color alone.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Often forms loose to large flocks, especially while foraging and on migration. Nests colonially on cliffs or tall buildings, placing nests in crevices or ledges. Pairs are monogamous within a season and show high site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, piercing screams and rapid twittering calls delivered in flight. Calls intensify around colonies and during aerial chases.
