White-rumped Swift
Apus caffer
Small, lithe swift with a long and deeply forked tail that is often held closed, and long and slender wings. Note the pale tips to the inner part of the trailing wing in flight. The dark body contrasts strongly with the narrow white rump and throat. Mostly quiet. Breeds in old Red-rumped Swallow nests.
Identification
This 14–15.5 cm (5.5–6.1 in) long species has, like some relatives, a short forked tail and long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. It is entirely dark except for a pale throat patch and a narrow white rump. It is similar to the closely related little swift, but is slimmer, darker and has a more forked tail and a narrower white rump.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Apus caffer
- Authority
- (Lichtenstein, MHC, 1823)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Apus
Range and habitat
The habitat of this species is dictated by that of its hosts, and is therefore normally man-made structures such as bridges and buildings.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cameroon Olive-Greenbul
Phyllastrephus poensis
An active but easily overlooked long-tailed greenbul found in flocks in the understory and along the edges of montane forest. Can be found near ant swarms. Has a relatively long brownish tail, generally olive underparts, olive-green upperparts, a pale throat, and a gray face. Usually found at higher elevations than other similar greenbuls. Foraging behavior and tendency to move tail and hold it lower than the body are distinctive. Often detected by its harsh chatter, “chuk-chuk-chuk,” or its bubbling “chuk-CHURR-chrchr” song.
Moorland Francolin
Scleroptila psilolaema
A pretty, intricately marked medium-sized francolin. The white throat is spotted with black, and the wings show large rufous patches in flight. Found at high elevations in alpine grassland and heath, often in small groups. Similar to Orange River Francolin, but found in different habitat at higher elevations, and separated by the black-spotted throat. The vocalizations include a series of “cheedle-chee” notes, and a squealing call often given in flight.
Sharpe's Starling
Pholia sharpii
Small, distinctive starling with a blue-black back, a white throat, and a buff belly. Except in good light, the upperparts usually look black. The pale eye is always distinctive. Uncommon and local in montane forest. Found in the canopy, in pairs or small flocks; often perches up conspicuously on dead snags and other open perches. The call is a sharp “sveet” and the song is a high-pitched tinkling that is distinctive, but quiet and easily ignored. Separated from similar starlings by its pale throat.
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