Little Swift

Latin Name: 
Apus affinis
Size: 
15cm
Description: 

Sexes alike. Blackish plumage; white rump and throat diagnostic; short, square tail and long, sickle-like swift wings. The large Fork-tailed Swift A. pacificus (18cm) has a deeply forked tail. Highly gregarious; on the wing during day, hawking insects, flying over human habitation, cliffs and ruins; strong fliers, exhibiting great mastery and control in fast wheeling flight; frequently utters squealing notes on the wing; retires to safety of nest colonies in overcast weather.

Habitat: 
human habitation, cliffs, ruins.
Food: 
winged insects.
Distribution: 
throughout the area, up to about 2,400m in Himalaya.
Call: 
Call Description: 
musical squeals on the wing; very vocal at sunset, but also through the day.
National Status: