Blyth's Swift vs Asian Palm Swift
Apus leuconyx versus Cypsiurus balasiensis
Play a quiz with Blyth's Swift and Asian Palm Swift
Blyth's Swift
Asian Palm Swift
In short
Blyth's Swift and Asian Palm Swift can be distinguished by their tail shapes and flight patterns. Blyth's Swift has a more robust build and a slightly forked tail, while the Asian Palm Swift is more slender with a deeply forked tail.
Identification tips
Look for the tail shape: Blyth's Swift has a slightly forked tail, while the Asian Palm Swift has a deeply forked tail. Observe the flight pattern: Blyth's Swift exhibits more powerful wingbeats, whereas the Asian Palm Swift has a fluttery flight.
Size
Blyth's Swift is generally more robust compared to the slender Asian Palm Swift.
Behaviour
Blyth's Swift often flies higher and with more powerful wingbeats compared to the more fluttery flight of the Asian Palm Swift.