House Swift
Apus nipalensis
About This Species
A small, fast-flying swift found across South and East Asia, typically seen wheeling in tight flocks around buildings, cliffs and bridges where it nests colonially in crevices and under eaves. It feeds entirely on the wing, snapping up flying insects, and is most active and visible on warm, still evenings when insect activity is high. Urban and rural nesting colonies can offer close views of birds flying in and out of nest sites at dusk.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Because this species nests and feeds entirely in flight, simple observation from the ground without approaching nest crevices is normally all that is needed and causes no disturbance.
- Wildlife protections vary among the many countries this species occurs in, so travellers should be aware that local rules may apply, particularly around buildings or structures used as nest sites.
- Avoiding disturbance to nest entrances, such as blocking access or using bright lights at dusk, helps protect breeding colonies.
LCAvesApodiformesApodidae
Seasonal Activity
236,800 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.