Pallid Swift
Apus pallidus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-pallidus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized swift (16-17 cm) similar to Common Swift but paler, sandy-brown overall with a larger white throat patch. Found across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Aerial insectivore. Long-distance migrant wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33.4 cm | 13.1 in |
| Weight | 42.25 g | 1.49 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Medium-large; pale brownish-grey overall, distinctly paler than Common Swift; larger pale throat patch; wing coverts show pale scaly edges; Mediterranean and Middle Eastern species; pale sandy-brown tone separates it from darker congeners.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in the Mediterranean and North Africa east to Pakistan. Migratory; winters in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore foraging continuously in flight, taking tiny flies, beetles, and ballooning spiders.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP,NO. Incubation: 22 days. Fledging: 46 days.
Clutch Size
1-4
Sound
Song
Melodic, rolling trill with rich timbre; sustained musical phrase with slight variations on repeated delivery at dusk.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | Apus pallidus |
Distribution
Pallid Swift has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pallid Swift eat?
Where does the Pallid Swift live?
Is the Pallid Swift endangered?
How does the Pallid Swift nest?
What does the Pallid Swift sound like?
How big is the Pallid Swift?
What order and family does the Pallid Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family