A brownish, mid-sized swift with a powerful, direct flight and contrasting paler patches along the trailing edges of the wings, adjacent to the body. Can be seen in flight over any habitat, but most often in dry and rocky areas. Very similar to several other swifts, and identification is tricky without a very good view or photo. Browner than African Black Swift. Pale patch in the wings separates it from Common and Forbes-Watson’s Swifts. The call is a high-pitched, descending trill.