It is very similar to the African palm swift, Cypsiurus parvus, and was formerly considered to be the same species.

It is a common resident breeder in tropical Asia from India to the Philippines.

The down and feather nest is glued to the underside of a palm leaf with saliva, which is also used to secure the usually two or three eggs.

The body is slender, and the tail is long and deeply forked, although it is usually held closed.

[2] Sexes are similar, and young birds differ from adults mainly in their shorter tails.