The house swift (Apus nipalensis) is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Japan, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. It is capable of flying long distances by alternately shutting off hemispheres of its brain in-flight.
It was formerly considered a subspecies of the little swift, under the name Apus affinis subfurcatus.
Description
The house swift looks quite similar to the little swift. It is a small bird, but a medium-sized swift, with a wingspan of 12.5-14.5 cm. Its body size ranges from 14 to 16 cm and weighs approximately 20-35 g. This species has a dark, slightly forked tail. Other than the white rump band and white throat-patch, the house swift has a black plumage, darker than the little swift.
Taxonomy
The name Apus nipalensis has two parts. Apus is the genus for swifts, and comes from the Latin word for the swift, or swallow with no feet. Nipalensis means from Nepal.
Currently, there are four subspecies of the house swift: Apus nipalensis nipalensis, Apus nipalensis subfurcatus, Apus nipalensis furcatus, and Apus nipalensis kuntzi.
Habitat and distribution
The house swift is highly aerial, spending much of its time feeding in the air. The house swift is generally found on the Asian continent. Each subspecies has a slightly different distribution throughout the continent.
Behavior
House swifts have two main areas of nesting: in cliffs or in urban areas. When nesting in urban areas, this species tends to prefer under roof overhangs of buildings or in tunnels. Many nest in cliffs on offshore islands near Vietnam. House swifts build their nest using their saliva to messily stick together leaves, branches and feathers.
Reproduction
The house swift has one breeding period with, generally, two broods per year. The first egg-laying period takes three weeks. By early June, all fledglings from the first clutch have taken flight. A few weeks later, the second clutch hatches. The last fledglings leave the nest by mid-September. The clutch sizes can vary, ranging anywhere from one to five eggs. The incubation period can last anywhere from 20 to 30 days.