House Swift

The house swift (Apus nipalensis), a small yet medium-sized swift, presents a striking silhouette against the sky with its wingspan of 12.5-14.5 cm. Weighing between 20-35 grams and measuring 14 to 16 cm in body length, it is characterized by a dark, slightly forked tail. Its plumage is predominantly black, with a distinctive white rump band and a white throat-patch, setting it apart from its relative, the little swift, by its darker coloration.

Identification Tips

When observing the house swift, look for its black plumage, which is darker than that of the little swift. The white rump band and throat-patch are key features for identification. The bird's small size and medium wingspan, along with its slightly forked tail, are also helpful characteristics to note.

Habitat

The house swift is a highly aerial species, spending a considerable amount of time on the wing, feeding in the air. It is adaptable, inhabiting both urban and rural environments across Asia, from the mountainous regions of Nepal to the bustling cities and towns of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

Distribution

This swift has a broad range across the Asian continent, with four recognized subspecies:

• Apus nipalensis nipalensis: Nepal to Southeastern China, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia
• Apus nipalensis subfurcatus: Malay Peninsula and islands in Southeast Asia
• Apus nipalensis furcatus: Java and Bali in Indonesia
• Apus nipalensis kuntzi: Taiwan

Behaviour

The house swift exhibits a preference for nesting in cliffs or urban areas, often choosing the shelter of roof overhangs or tunnels when in cities, and cliffs on offshore islands near Vietnam. Their nests are constructed using saliva to bind together leaves, branches, and feathers in a somewhat untidy fashion.

Song & calls

Among the vocal repertoire of the house swift is the distinctive ti-ti-ti-tititrrrrrr sound, a call that can be heard amidst the cacophony of urban or natural landscapes where these birds reside.

Breeding

The breeding season of the house swift includes one period with typically two broods per year. The first egg-laying period spans three weeks, with fledglings from the first clutch taking flight by early June. The second clutch hatches a few weeks later, with the last fledglings departing the nest by mid-September. Clutch sizes vary from one to five eggs, and the incubation period ranges from 20 to 30 days.

Diet and Feeding

House swifts feed on the wing, capturing small airborne organisms. Fecal analysis has revealed that their diet consists almost exclusively of arthropods, including ants, spiders, mosquitos, and flies.

Conservation status

The house swift is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.

Similar Species

The house swift is often compared to the little swift, but can be distinguished by its darker plumage and the presence of a white rump band and throat-patch.

Migration

While specific migration patterns of the house swift are not well-documented, sightings in Northern Australia and India during winter suggest some seasonal movement.