Plain Swift
Apus unicolor
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<birdfyi-bird slug="apus-unicolor"></birdfyi-bird>À propos
A medium-sized swift (14-15 cm) endemic to the Macaronesian islands of Madeira and the Canaries. Dark brown plumage, slightly paler than Common Swift. Aerial insectivore. Resident population on the islands. Closely related to Common Swift but lacks the pale throat patch.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 29,9 cm | 11.8 in |
| Poids | 24,2 g | 0.85 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark sooty-brown plumage; very faint pale chin; no distinct throat patch; entirely plain and uniform; smaller than Common Swift; Macaronesian endemic breeding in Canary Islands and Madeira; coloration slightly paler below than above.
Habitat & Range
Répartition géographique
Breeds on the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. Resident on these Macaronesian archipelagos. Closely related to Common Swift.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively aerial insectivore catching small flying insects and spiders drifting in aerial plankton at altitude.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: SA,CV,CR. Incubation: 20 days. Fledging: 37-46 days.
Taille de la couvée
2
Son
Chant
Harsh, grating scream with descending inflection; loud raspy calls carrying urgency, often given during colony disturbance.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Famille | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Apus |
| Espèces | Apus unicolor |
Distribution
Plain Swift has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Plain Swift eat?
Where does the Plain Swift live?
Is the Plain Swift endangered?
How does the Plain Swift nest?
What does the Plain Swift sound like?
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What order and family does the Plain Swift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family