Apus horus (Heuglin, 1869)

Size and Build

The Horus swift (scientific name Apus horus (Heuglin, 1869)) measures 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) in length and has a quite bulky build.

Plumage Features

It appears almost entirely blackish, with the only exceptions being a white patch on the chin and a white rump. Its tail is medium length and forked.

Flight Characteristics

Its flight is fluttering, similar to that of the little swift. The little swift differs from the Horus swift by having a square tail and more extensive white coloration on the rump. The white-rumped swift differs from the Horus swift by having a more deeply forked tail and a narrower white rump band.

Vocalization

The call of the Horus swift is a buzzing peeeeooo, peeeeooo.

Breeding Range

This swift breeds in sub-Saharan Africa. It has an extensive continuous range that extends from eastern and southern South Africa north to southern Zambia and central Mozambique, and it has recently colonized the De Hoop Nature Reserve area of the Western Cape.

Disjunct Populations

It also occurs very discontinuously across most of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, with large populations found in the Ethiopian mountains and in the area stretching from central Kenya into Uganda. Challenges with identification make it difficult to confirm the exact range limits of this species.

Movement Patterns

Birds that live in South Africa are migratory, and travel further north to spend the winter. Other populations of the Horus swift are resident, only making local movements.