Pallid Swift Bird Details
Apus pallidus
Pallid Swift
Dhusar Sarpat
Shelley, 1870
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Apus
Appearance :
The Pallid Swift looks very similar to the Common Swift but is slightly paler in appearance. It has a forked tail and long, sickle-shaped wings, with a dusky brown body, but appears pale when seen in flight due to its scaly feather pattern.
Behaviour :
Highly gregarious: It is usually seen flying in large flocks, often in mixed species groups with other swifts. These birds are extremely aerial, spending most of their lives in flight.
Habitat :
Pallid Swifts are found in a variety of habitats, primarily in rocky cliffs, urban areas, and sometimes on buildings, where they breed in crevices. They prefer areas near water bodies and regions with sufficient open spaces for flying.
Diet :
They feed almost exclusively on flying insects such as flies, beetles, and ants, catching them mid-flight.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Pallid Swift can be found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It is a migratory species, spending the breeding season in Europe and North Africa and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Population Size :
800000-1499999 mature individuals
Life Span :
Typically, 6–10 years, though some individuals may live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Pallid Swift has a slender, streamlined body adapted for swift, agile flight.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (part of the leg) is extremely short, typical of swifts, usually around 5-7 mm, since these birds spend most of their time flying and rarely perch.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a slightly flat profile.
- Eyes: Large and dark, positioned to provide a wide field of vision, which helps them locate flying insects in mid-air.
- Bill: The bill is small and slightly curved, optimized for catching insects while in flight.
- Bill Length: The bill is short, approximately 4-5 mm.
Length :
The total body length of a Pallid Swift is about 16-17 cm.
Neck :
Swifts have very short, almost non-existent necks, further streamlined for flight efficiency.
Size :
Small-sized swift, similar to the Common Swift but slightly bulkier and paler.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Forked tail that aids in steering while in flight, and it appears slightly more blunt than that of the Common Swift.
- Tail Length: The tail length is about 5-6 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are dark brown with a pale, scaly appearance due to light edges, giving the bird its "pallid" or pale look when compared to other swifts.
Weight :
Pallid Swifts weigh around 40-45 grams.
Wing :
Long, narrow, and sickle-shaped wings designed for high-speed, energy-efficient flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is typically around 42-48 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Pallid Swift has a small, rounded head with a slightly flattened appearance. Its eyes are large, dark, and well-adapted for aerial hunting, while the beak is short and curved.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Pallid Swift nests in crevices of cliffs, buildings, and caves. They use pre-existing cavities and often build nests high up to avoid predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: Their nests are constructed using feathers, plant materials, and insects that they catch while flying. These materials are glued together with the bird’s saliva, which hardens to form a compact nest structure.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs during the warmer months of spring and early summer, between May and July.
Nesting Season :
Nesting usually takes place from April to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically white and unmarked.
Egg Length :
About 23–26 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 15–17 mm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 2–3 grams.
Clutch Size :
2–3 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Usually, 1 brood per season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 18–22 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the young swifts remain in the nest for about 38–42 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The Pallid Swift is known for its high-pitched screeching calls..
Sex Demorphism :
No significant sexual dimorphism;
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Pallid Swifts are migratory birds. They breed in Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East, and migrate to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter.
- Migration Period: Autumn migration occurs around September to October. They return to their breeding grounds in March to April.
- Migration Route: They typically follow a southward route from Europe and North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa. During migration, they travel long distances over the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert.
- Reasons for Migration: Seasonal changes in weather and food availability. Pallid Swifts migrate to areas where insect populations are higher during the colder months.