Common swift

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.