Common swift
Apus apus
Fun Fact: Common swifts can be seen frequently over open, semi-arid country.
Introduction: Common swifts (Apus apus) can be seen frequently over open, semi-arid country, usually following rain when the vegetation is at its best. They are gregarious birds, congregating in flocks from 10's or 20's to 100's and even 1,000's.
Distribution: Common throughout most of Namibia, especially Etosha National Park.
Diet: Aerial feeders, eats mainly small insects. Drinks in flight by skimming over the surface of water.
Description: Medium-sized swifts with white throats, and a tail that is forked to square. Apus is the Greek word for 'without feet', referring to their highly reduced feet and legs.
Breeding: Migrant breeders. Nests in cracks in rock faces, on buildings or in other birds' nests.
Size: 17cm.
Weight: 40g.
.png?width=82&height=85&name=Navigate%20Namibia-03%20(1).png "Navigate Namibia")