Apus barbatus
The African Black Swift (*Apus barbatus*) is a master of the skies, an elegant, medium-sized aerial insectivore prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring 16-18 cm in length with a wingspan of 40-45 cm, its plumage is almost uniformly sooty black or dark brown, often appearing jet black against the sky. A subtle, pale throat patch, which varies in prominence, can be a key diagnostic field mark, especially for distinguishing it from similar dark swift species. It possesses the characterist...
Primarily found in montane and highland areas, utilizing cliffs, gorges, and rocky outcrops for nesting. Also adapts readily to urban environments, nesting on tall buildings and bridges, occurring from sea level to over 3,500 meters.
Exclusively aerial insectivores, consuming a wide variety of flying arthropods including flies, beetles, ants, and termites, caught with their wide gape while in continuous flight.
Highly social and incredibly aerial, the African Black Swift spends almost its entire life on the wing, only landing to breed. Roosts communally in large flocks, often high in the air or on vertical rock faces and structures. It forages by continuously "hawking" aerial insects, exhibiting swift, ...
The African Black Swift is widely distributed across much of sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing a vast and varied geographic range. Breeding populations extend from western Angola eastward through Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, continuing south into South Africa and Eswatini. Significant...
Least Concern
- The African Black Swift can remain airborne for months at a time, potentially even years, only landing when it's time to nest. - It is one of the few bird species known to be capable of sleeping while flying, entering a state of controlled gliding with half its brain resting. - During foraging ...