ebirdDon’t be misled by its name: the Little Swift (Apus affinis) is a small, energetic bird that brings life to the ornithological garden of the hotel-restaurant Au Bois Vert in Ivato.
What does it look like?
This small swift with glossy black plumage can be recognized by its slightly paler forehead. It has a stocky body, long pointed wings, and a short square tail — a typical silhouette of the species Apus affinis.
Its song or cry
In flight, the Little Swift utters short, rapid, high-pitched trills, repeated like chatter between companions. A light and discreet call, far from the commotion of songbirds.
An anecdote or fun fact
The Little Swift likes to nest in wall crevices and sometimes finds shelter under the lodge’s roofs. Each year, it faithfully returns to the ornithological garden, like a seasonal resident coming home.
Where and when to see it in our garden?
It is easily observed at dusk, when it hunts insects above the flower-lined paths of our ornithological garden. Present all year round, Apus affinis is one of the most active birds above our hotel.
Why does he love our garden?
The abundance of insects, the restaurant’s architecture providing nesting sites, and the peacefulness of the area all attract this little swift. The Au Bois Vert ornithological garden also offers an ideal habitat for its breeding.
Tips for observing it
The best time to observe them is at the end of the day, when the sky is clear. Settle near the lodge with a pair of binoculars, stay quiet, and let yourself be captivated by their swift, agile flights above the hotel rooftops.
