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Common Swift (Apus apus) — photo 1 of 4
© Alexis Lours CC BY 4.0

Swifts

Common Swift

Apus apus

Summer visitor

Voice

Call

Luis Alvarez Menendez

0:10

Song

Pascal Christe

0:19

Call

Philippe_Grange

0:07

How to recognize it

  • Size comparable to a sparrow, with long, elegantly curved wings.

  • Dark brown plumage resembling chocolate.

  • Loud, sharp call sounding like a "chirp."

  • Forked tail gives a sickle-like wing impression.

About the species

Common swifts are striking in their dark plumage and incredible aerial agility. In urban areas, you might catch sight of them hovering while they catch insects or chat with their companions. Unlike others, they avoid landing on the ground, preferring to nest in crevices under roofs and eaves.

These beings are known for their sharp, piercing calls and often form noisy groups, creating a lively atmosphere. They can spend months without touching the ground, even sleeping in flight, making them one of nature's aerial marvels.

Common swifts favor high buildings and older structures for nesting. They feast primarily on flying insects and return to Europe each spring to breed, bringing a burst of energy and vibrancy to our skies.

Did you know?

  • A year on the wing

    After leaving the nest in August, a young Common Swift stays airborne for a year or more — only touching down again when it slips into a cavity as a future breeder.

  • 160 km/h, 900 km a day

    The Common Swift hits 160 km/h in flight and can cover up to 900 km in a single day — an endurance few birds can match.

Sources