Common Swift vs White-rumped Swift

In short

The Common Swift and White-rumped Swift are both members of the Apodidae family, but they can be distinguished by their tail shape and rump color. The Common Swift has a uniformly dark body with a small off-white throat patch, while the White-rumped Swift features a distinctive white rump patch.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white rump patch on the White-rumped Swift, absent in the Common Swift. 2. Note the tail shape: Common Swift has a deeply forked tail, while the White-rumped Swift's tail is less forked. 3. Observe the throat patch: Common Swift has a small off-white throat patch. 4. Consider the geographic location: Common Swift is more widespread in temperate zones, whereas White-rumped Swift is more common in sub-Saharan Africa.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Common Swift is slightly larger with a wingspan of 42–48 cm compared to the White-rumped Swift.

Plumage

The Common Swift is mostly black-brown with a small off-white throat patch. In contrast, the White-rumped Swift is notable for its white rump patch, which is absent in the Common Swift.

Behaviour

Both species are highly aerial and spend most of their time in flight. The Common Swift is known for its long non-breeding aerial life phase.

Habitat

The Common Swift occupies a wide range of habitats from temperate to boreal zones, while the White-rumped Swift is more commonly found in sub-Saharan regions.