From Opus

Apus caffer

Photo by nkgray
Photo taken: Boksburg, South Africa.

[edit] Identification

14-15.5 cm. Short forked tail, long swept-back wings, entirely dark; pale throat patch and a narrow white rump in the shape of a broad 'U' pointing down the tail.

[edit] Distribution

Africa and southern Europe. In Europe found locally in Spain and Portugal. In Africa locally in Morocco and widespread south of the Sahara. Found in Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, avoiding tropical forest.

[edit] Taxonomy

Regarded as monotypic. Some authors claim birds of Angola and Congo to belong to the subspecies ansorgei or birds of tropical zones to streubelii, but this is not accepted by others.

[edit] Habitat

Aerial, over open country and Eucalyptus plantations.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes insects which are caught in the air.

[edit] Breeding

Monogamous; sometimes breed cooperatively. They often occupy the nests of Little Swifts and swallows. Once occupied, the nest is lined with feathers and saliva, and 1-2 eggs are laid.

[edit] External Links