Common Swift
Image: משה נאמן (cc-by-nc)
NameCommon Swift
Common NameCommon Swift
Scientific NameApus apus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)45.5
Plumage DetailsPredominantly sooty brown to black plumage, appearing uniformly dark from a distance. It has a small, indistinct pale or whitish patch on the throat, which is often difficult to observe.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, high-pitched, screaming calls, often uttered in groups as they fly rapidly around nesting sites, described as a 'sree-sree' or 'swee-swee' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsurban, cliffs, open country, forest edges
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and much of temperate Asia, migrating south to winter in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identifying FeaturesLong, scythe-shaped wings, Sooty brown/black plumage, Pale throat patch (often hard to see), Short, forked tail, Highly aerial behavior, Screaming calls
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, narrow, scythe-shaped wings and a short, forked tail, making it an agile flyer.
