Little Swift Bird Details
Apus affinis
Little Swift,Indian House Swift;
Chhota Swift
John Edward Gray, 1830
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Apus
India (Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata), Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, Tunisia.
Appearance :
Mostly dark brown or blackish above, with a white belly. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is deeply forked.
Behaviour :
Little Swifts are highly social birds that often gather in flocks. They are known for their acrobatic flight, which includes rapid, agile movements as they catch insects mid-air. They typically nest in colonies.
Habitat :
These birds are commonly found in urban areas, often nesting on buildings and bridges. They prefer open areas near water sources.
Diet :
The diet primarily consists of flying insects, including moths and beetles, which they catch while flying.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Little Swift is distributed across parts of Asia, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and extending into parts of Africa and Europe.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be in the millions.
Life Span :
The average lifespan is about 4 to 6 years in the wild, although some individuals may live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: General Appearance: Streamlined body, adapted for fast flight with long wings and a deeply forked tail.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 15-18 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small and somewhat rounded with a flat crown.
- Eyes: Large and dark, well-suited for spotting insects in flight.
- Bill: Short and pointed, designed for capturing insects mid-air.
- Bill Length: About 8-10 mm.
Length :
Ranges from 12 to 14 cm.
Neck :
Short and blends smoothly into the body.
Size :
Small, agile bird.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and deeply forked, aiding in aerial maneuverability.
- Tail Length: Approximately 5-6 cm.
- Feathers: Dark brown to blackish upper parts with a white belly; feathers are long and aerodynamic.
Weight :
Approximately 15-20 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed, providing excellent gliding abilities.
Wing Span :
Approximately 30-35 cm.
Facial Feature :
The face is relatively flat, with a small, pointed bill and large eyes, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Typically constructed in colonies, often under the eaves of buildings, bridges, or cliffs.
- Nest Made Up Of: Made of grass, feathers, and other soft materials, bound together with saliva to create a compact structure.
Breeding Season :
Typically breeds during the monsoon season, which varies by region but often occurs from late spring to early summer.
Nesting Season :
Generally nests from May to July in India.
Egg Color :
Generally white or pale cream.
Egg Length :
Approximately 17-20 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 12-14 mm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 1.5-2 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 2 to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically raises one brood per season, although in some regions, they may attempt a second brood.
Incubation Period :
About 18-21 days.
Nestling Period :
The young fledge approximately 30-35 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Produces a variety of high-pitched chattering calls, especially during the breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
Little Swifts exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism;
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Primarily migratory, moving to different regions based on seasonal changes.
- Migration Period: Typically migrates in late summer or early autumn (around August to September) and returns in spring (March to April).
- Migration Route: Migration routes can vary; many Little Swifts from Europe migrate to Africa for the winter, while those in South Asia may move to different elevations or regions within the subcontinent.
- Reasons for Migration: Migration is primarily driven by the search for warmer climates and abundant food resources, as well as suitable nesting sites.