Common Swift
Apus apus
Aves › Apodiformes › Apodidae › Apus
Conservation status: least_concern
The Common Swift is a sleek, dark bird with long curved wings that make it instantly recognizable as it screams through the sky at remarkable speeds, often chasing insects in acrobatic flight. Unlike swallows and martins, swifts are so adapted to life in the air that they eat, sleep, and even mate on the wing, making them some of nature's most aerial birds.
How To Identify
A small, streamlined bird, often appearing slate-grey or dark brown across its body. It features a long, pointed tail and deep blue eyes, giving it a perpetually swift appearance in flight.
Habitat
The Common Swift lives in airspace over towns, villages, and open country.
Behaviour
Common Swifts fly in screaming flocks around rooftops on summer evenings.
Native Range
The Common Swift is native to Europe, ranging from Portugal and Ireland in the West across to China and Siberia in the East.
Did You Know?
Swifts can remain airborne for up to 10 months continuously, sleeping and mating on the wing.
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