Common Swift
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)42.5
Plumage DetailsSooty brown plumage overall, appearing almost black from a distance, with a small, indistinct pale greyish-white throat patch.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree' or 'swee-swee' call, often given in groups as they fly rapidly around nesting sites.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban areas, cliffs, open country, mountains
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the non-breeding season.
Identifying Featureslong scythe-like wings, short forked tail, sooty brown plumage, highly aerial behavior, screaming calls, nests in buildings and rock crevices
Description
The Common Swift is a highly aerial bird, spending most of its life in flight, even sleeping and mating on the wing. It has a sleek, dark body with long, scythe-like wings perfectly adapted for its acrobatic flight.
