Common Swift Bird Details
Apus apus
Common Swift
Aam Chidiya
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Apus
Europe, Asia (India), and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance :
The Common Swift is a medium-sized bird characterized by its long, narrow wings and tail, and a streamlined body. It has a dark brown plumage, with a slightly paler throat and belly. The bird is known for its distinctive scythe-shaped wings and a short, forked tail.
Behaviour :
Common Swifts are highly social birds, often seen flying in groups. They are known for their acrobatic flying abilities, performing intricate aerial maneuvers while foraging. They nest colonially in buildings, cliffs, or tree cavities.
Habitat :
Common Swifts prefer urban areas, where they can find nesting sites in buildings and structures. They can also be found in rural areas, particularly near cliffs and open countryside.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aerial insects, including flies, beetles, and other small invertebrates that they catch while flying.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia during the breeding season. In winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be in the millions
Life Span :
Common Swifts can live up to 5-10 years in the wild, with some individuals reported to have lived longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Common Swift has a compact, aerodynamic body, built for high-speed flight. Its body is streamlined and features long, pointed wings, which aid in agile aerial maneuvering.
- Tarsus: The tarsus is relatively short and covered with feathers, adapted for clinging to vertical surfaces.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7–8 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small and rounded, with a smooth contour that contributes to the bird’s aerodynamic shape.
- Eyes: Large and dark, positioned laterally to provide a wide field of vision, which is crucial for spotting insects while flying.
- Bill: Short and wide, ideal for catching insects in flight. The bill is slightly curved, with a gaping mouth that helps it scoop up prey efficiently.
- Bill Length: Approximately 5–6 mm.
Length :
Typically around 16–17 cm.
Neck :
Very short, almost indistinct, contributing to its streamlined appearance.
Size :
Medium-sized among swifts.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is forked and tapered, which aids in flight stability and maneuverability.
- Tail Length: About 7–8 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are dark brown to black, providing camouflage against the sky and facilitating fast flight. The feathers are also very strong and flexible, allowing for agility in the air.
Weight :
Approximately 30–50 grams, depending on the individual and its condition.
Wing :
Long and pointed, shaped like a scythe, which is characteristic of swifts and essential for sustained gliding and fast flying.
Wing Span :
About 38–40 cm, enabling long-distance flight and impressive aerial agility.
Facial Feature :
They have a distinctive pale throat and chin, with the rest of the head being dark. Their eyes are prominent and provide a wide field of vision.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Common Swifts build their nests in colonies, often in crevices of buildings, under eaves, or in tree hollows. They may also nest on cliffs.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed primarily from dried grass, feathers, and other plant materials, often glued together with saliva. The nests are typically shallow and cup-shaped.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs from late April to early July.
Nesting Season :
Nesting begins in late April or May.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale white to creamy in color, sometimes with light speckles.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.5–4 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 2.6–3 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 10-12 grams.
Clutch Size :
Commonly lays 2-5 eggs per clutch, although the average is typically around 3-4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually, there is one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts about 18-21 days.
Nestling Period :
The young swifts fledge (leave the nest) approximately 38-45 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Common Swifts produce a variety of high-pitched chattering sounds, especially during flight and when communicating with other swifts in the nesting colony.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no significant sexual dimorphism in Common Swifts; males and females are similar in appearance.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Common Swift is a long-distance migrant, traveling between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: They typically migrate from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa, departing in late summer (August-September) and returning in spring (April-May).
- Migration Route: Common Swifts generally migrate across the Mediterranean Sea and through North Africa, although some may take different routes depending on geographic factors.
- Reasons for Migration: Migration is primarily driven by the availability of food (insects) and suitable nesting sites. Swifts move to warmer regions during winter to avoid harsh conditions and to ensure access to food.