Common Swift
Image: Joohender8 (cc-by-nc)
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)45.5
Plumage DetailsEntirely sooty brown to blackish plumage, with a small, indistinct paler whitish patch on the throat that is often difficult to see, especially at a distance.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, screaming 'sree-sree-sree' or 'swee-swee-swee' call, often given in groups during their characteristic aerial displays.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban areas, cliffs, open country, farmland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, from the Atlantic coast to Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identifying Featureslong, scythe-shaped wings, dark, sooty plumage, highly aerial behavior, fast, agile flight, forked tail (often appears square in flight), high-pitched screaming call
Description
The Common Swift is a highly aerial bird, spending most of its life in flight, even sleeping and mating on the wing. It is characterized by its dark, sooty plumage and long, scythe-shaped wings, constantly soaring and gliding in search of insect prey.
