Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

House Swift

Apus nipalensis

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.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

House Swifts on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Swifts

A photo of a Himalayan Swiftlet (Aerodramus brevirostris)

Himalayan Swiftlet

Aerodramus brevirostris
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.