It has been recorded from all the islands except Santa Luzia although it probably breeds only on Santiago, Fogo, Brava, Santo Antão and São Nicolau.

Compared to other swifts recorded from the islands it is smaller with shorter wings and a shallower fork to the tail.

[3] The Cape Verde swift feeds on insects that it catches while flying.

It can be seen flying over all habitats and hunts in flight for insects, foraging in flocks over gullies and along cliffs and shorelines.

[3] The Cape Verde swift has a restricted range but is a common bird on the archipelago, with large numbers on Fogo and Brava.