Common Swift
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsEntirely sooty brown or blackish plumage, often appearing uniformly dark in flight. A small, indistinct pale whitish patch is present on the throat.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree-sree' call, often given in groups, especially when flying around nesting sites.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, forest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter.
Identifying FeaturesLong scythe-like wings, Dark sooty-brown plumage, Short forked tail, High-pitched screaming call, Highly aerial behavior
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 plumage, long scythe-like wings, and short, forked tail, making them superb flyers.
