Common Swift
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)42.5
Plumage DetailsEntirely sooty-brown plumage, often appearing black, with a small, indistinct pale or whitish patch on the throat. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is short and forked.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree' or 'swee-swee' call, often given in groups as they fly rapidly around buildings or cliffs.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, cliffs, open country, farmland, forest edges
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and much of Asia, from the Atlantic coast to Siberia. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identifying Featureslong scythe-like wings, dark sooty-brown plumage, pale throat patch, short forked tail, screaming calls, highly aerial flight
Description
Common Swifts are highly aerial birds, spending most of their lives in flight, feeding, mating, and even sleeping on the wing. They are characterized by their dark, sooty plumage, long scythe-like wings, and short legs, rarely landing except to nest.
