Cape Verde Swift, Alexander’s Swift (Apus alexandri)

This swift measures up to 15 cm long and is very similar to the plain swift (Apus unicolor)—typical of Madeira, the Canaries and possibly North West Africa—but is smaller with lighter-coloured underparts. Its voice is also very different from that of other swifts. Endemic to Cape Verde, it is locally common on Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Fogo, also lives on Santiago and Brava, and is more or less frequently observed in the rest of the archipelago. This swift is closely associated with cliffs, ravines and inland peaks, where it forms small breeding colonies in crevices and natural hollows. Although it nests on several islands and is under no significant threat, numbers are low, and it is considered as slightly endangered.