Birds
File:African Black Swift (Apus barbatus) in flight, above and side view.jpg

African Swift

African Swift

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The African Swift is a widespread and common swift across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a robust, dark-plumaged swift that is highly agile in the air, spending its life foraging for insects over various habitats.
Where to spot
Widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from rocky cliffs and mountains to open woodlands, savannas, and urban areas.
How to spot
Look for its powerful, direct flight and relatively broad wings. It is uniformly dark brown with a subtle paler throat patch. Identification often relies on distinguishing it from other dark swifts based on subtle plumage differences, call, and habitat.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, often seen in large flocks, especially around dawn and dusk as they leave and return to communal roosts.
File:African Black Swift (Apus barbatus) in flight, above and side view.jpg
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker1.jpg
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker2.jpg
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker3.jpg
File:African Black Swift (Apus barbatus) in flight, above and side view.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:ApusBarbatus TrevorHardaker3.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The African Swift is known for its remarkable speed and endurance, capable of remaining airborne for extended periods, even during adverse weather conditions.
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