Common Swift
Apus apus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-apus"></birdfyi-bird>The Common Swift (Apus apus) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 32.3 cm and a weight of 41.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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À propos
A medium-sized swift (16-17 cm, wingspan 42-48 cm) with dark blackish-brown plumage and a pale throat. One of the most aerial of all birds, spending nearly its entire life on the wing, sleeping, eating, and even mating in flight. Breeds across Eurasia; winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 32,3 cm | 12.7 in |
| Poids | 41,5 g | 1.46 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Uniformly blackish-brown above and below; pale whitish throat patch; slightly forked tail; no other pale markings; sexes identical; the archetypal swift shape with scythe-like wings; widespread Palearctic breeder and Sub-Saharan winterer.
Habitat & Range
Répartition géographique
Breeds across Europe and Asia from the British Isles east to Siberia and China. Long-distance migrant wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial forager on tiny insects and wind-dispersed spiders; forages near water surfaces where insects concentrate.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 20 days. Fledging: 37-56 days.
Taille de la couvée
1-4
Son
Chant
Crisp, two-noted call: quick sharp chip followed by descending whistle; distinctive pattern repeated at measured intervals.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Famille | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Espèces | Apus apus |
Distribution
Common Swift has been recorded in 6 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Common Swift eat?
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What does the Common Swift sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family