Forbes-Watson's Swift

The Sokotrasegler (Apus berliozi ) is a species of bird in the family of sailors. It occurs in two races on Socotra and Somalia.

Features

The Sokotrasegler has a length of 16 centimeters. The male reaches a weight of 37.5 grams, the female a weight of 40 grams. The plumage is uniformly brown except for a large white throat patch. In terms of plumage, forehead, reins coloring it resembles the Pallid Swift. However, it is darker with a less conspicuous saddle and with a greasy luster on primaries, secondaries and middle upper wing-coverts. The breed A. b. bensoni is darker and browner than the nominate form of Socotra. In addition, the throat patch is round, the bottom is less marked and the forehead is darker.

Habitat

The Sokotrasegler often inhabits dry landscapes. On Socotra he is to be found in different habitats, which include urban areas with. In the mountains it occurs at altitudes from 700 to 1200 m. It breeds on coasts preferably in caves and on cliffs. When foraging it can be observed on fixed sand dunes. In its wintering area in Kenya you can see him on the lowland coastal forests.

Dissemination

The breed A. b. berliozi breeds in Haijhir Mountains on Socotra. The breed A. b. bensoni has its breeding area at Hal Hambo, Somalia and wintered in Kenya, Arabuko - Sokoke and in particular in the Gede forests south of Diani, Gazi and Shimba Hills.

Way of life

In Somalia, the breeding season from March to September, on Socotra mid-May. The Sokotrasegler breeds in colonies. The napfenförmige nest is built on the ceilings of caves. It has a width of 110 to 130 mm and a depth of 30 to 30 mm. Upholstered it with dry seaweed. The clutch consists of two eggs. The Sokotrasegler can be observed in flocks between 10 and 200 individuals. Its diet consists of beetles, ants, grasshoppers and termites.

Status

The Sokotrasegler is common and not endangered. In its restricted distribution area on Socotra 1993 300 specimens were counted.