The African Palm Swift is one of the most common swift species found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a small bird, measuring only about 14 cm in length and weighing around 15 grams. The bird's name comes from its preference for nesting in oil palm trees, but it is also known to nest in other palm species.
The African Palm Swift has a distinctive appearance, with a white throat, brown wings, and a black tail. The bird's body is mostly a glossy black color, and its wings are long and pointed, which makes them well-suited for fast and agile flight. The African Palm Swift has a wide distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it is found in a range of habitats, including palm groves, savannas, and forests.
Like other swifts, the African Palm Swift is an insectivore, feeding mainly on flying insects. It typically hunts for food in the early morning and late afternoon, when insect activity is at its highest. The bird catches insects on the wing, using its sharp beak to capture prey in mid-flight.
The African Palm Swift is known for its highly sociable behavior. It is a gregarious bird that nests in large colonies, with groups of up to 1,000 pairs congregating in a single palm tree. The birds build their nests out of twigs, leaves, and other plant materials, which they cement together with their saliva. The nests are typically shallow cups, and each pair of birds lays 2-3 eggs.
Despite its abundance and widespread distribution, the African Palm Swift is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many other bird species, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activities such as deforestation. In addition to its ecological importance as a predator of insects, the African Palm Swift is also an important cultural symbol in some African societies, where it is associated with vitality and good luck.