Alpine Swift vs African Swift

The Alpine Swift is larger and more robust than the African Swift, with a distinctive white belly and throat that contrast sharply with its dark wings and back. In contrast, the African Swift is generally smaller and uniformly dark without the prominent white markings.

1. Size and Structure: Look for the larger size and more robust build of the Alpine Swift. 2. Plumage: Note the Alpine Swift's white belly and throat, which are absent in the uniformly dark African Swift. 3. Habitat: Consider the breeding habitat; African Swifts are often found in moist highlands, sometimes with Alpine Swifts.

The Alpine Swift is larger and more robust compared to the smaller African Swift.

The Alpine Swift has a distinctive white belly and throat that contrast with its dark wings and back, while the African Swift is uniformly dark without prominent white markings.

The African Swift often breeds in moist highlands at 1,600–2,400 m, sometimes in mixed colonies with Alpine Swifts.