Cypsiurus gracilis
The Malagasy Palm Swift (*Cypsiurus gracilis*) is a small, agile aerial insectivore, typically measuring 12-13 cm in length with a remarkably slender, streamlined body and extremely long, narrow, scythe-like wings that can span approximately 28-30 cm. Its plumage is a soft, uniform pale sooty-brown or grey overall, appearing slightly paler on the underparts, offering excellent camouflage against the sky. A key identification feature is its deeply forked tail, often held partially closed or wi...
This swift exclusively inhabits open country, savannas, cultivated areas, towns, and coastal regions, always in close proximity to various palm species. It is typically found at low to moderate elevations.
The Malagasy Palm Swift is an obligate aerial insectivore, feeding primarily on a variety of small flying insects such as dipterans (flies), hymenopterans (ants, small wasps), and coleopterans (beetles), captured deftly in flight.
Malagasy Palm Swifts are highly social and diurnal, spending nearly their entire day continuously on the wing, foraging for insects. They often form loose colonies, particularly around suitable palm stands, and roost communally, typically clinging vertically to the underside of palm fronds. Their...
The Malagasy Palm Swift is endemic to Madagascar and the surrounding Comoro Islands archipelago, including Mayotte and the Glorieuses Islands. Its distribution is continuous across suitable palm-rich habitats throughout Madagascar, typically in low-lying coastal areas, open savanna, and cultivate...
Least Concern
- The Malagasy Palm Swift spends an astounding 99% of its life in the air, only landing to cling to its nest or a roosting site. - Its nests are architecturally unique, built as tiny cups of feathers and plant down glued with saliva directly to the vertical underside of swaying palm fronds. - Bot...