Asian Palm Swift

Cypsiurus balasiensis

Family: Swifts · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 11–12 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and the Greater and Lesser Sundas.

Identification

Has uniform brown-grey plumage, long slender sickle-shaped wings, and a distinctive long, deeply forked tail that appears narrow and pointed when closed.

Habitat

Open habitat and urban areas; closely associated with fan palms.

Behaviour

Feeds on small flying insects while in flight.