Common Swift
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)40
Plumage DetailsEntirely sooty brown or blackish-brown plumage, often appearing black against the sky. It has a small, indistinct pale patch on the throat, which is difficult to see except at close range.
Vocalization / CallProduces a distinctive, high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree-sree' or 'swee-swee-swee' call, often given in groups during aerial displays.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, suburban, cliffs, open country, forest edges
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, sooty brown/black plumage, short forked tail, highly aerial behavior, screaming call, small pale throat patch
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, adapted for fast and agile flight.
