Common Swift
As part of the countdown to TAFU’s Local Wildlife Day on the 11th of July – Species no. 10.
Stay tuned – 33 more days and 33 more species until then!
The Common Swift (Apus apus) is a medium-sized bird measuring about 16-17 cm in length with a wingspan of 38-40 cm. Its plumage is mostly sooty brown with a small white patch on its chin, and it has a distinctive forked tail and long, crescent-shaped wings which are easily seen whilst in flight. Known for its exceptional flying abilities, the Common Swift spends almost its entire life in the air, feeding, mating, and even sleeping on the wing. They migrate between Europe, where they breed, and sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend the winter.
Swifts nest in colonies, often in crevices of buildings, under eaves, or in specially designed nest boxes. They feed primarily on flying insects. The Common Swift is renowned for its fast flight, capable of reaching speeds up to 69 mph, making it the fastest bird in level flight.
Unfortunately, the Common Swift has seen population declines due to the loss of suitable nesting sites in modern buildings. Conservation efforts, such as installing nest boxes and preserving old buildings, are crucial to support their populations. It is also incredibly important that we make our gardens as insect-friendly as possible to help these swift creatures!
