Alpine Swift Bird Details
Tachymarptis melba
Alpine Swift,Apus melba;
Pahaadi Swift
Linnaeus, 1758
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Tachymarptis
Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, China, Tibet, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Appearance :
The Alpine Swift is a large, robust bird with a wingspan of about 50-55 cm. It has a streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short, square tail. The plumage is mainly dark brown with a white throat and belly.
Behaviour :
Alpine Swifts are highly social birds, often found in large flocks, especially during migration. They are known for their acrobatic flight and can be seen soaring and diving in the sky. They are often vocal, emitting a series of rapid, high-pitched calls.
Habitat :
They prefer mountainous regions and are commonly found near cliffs and high-altitude areas. They are often seen in urban areas where they nest in tall buildings.
Diet :
Alpine Swifts primarily feed on insects and aerial plankton, catching their prey in flight. They forage at various altitudes, often flying high above the ground.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Alpine Swifts are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They breed in southern Europe and the high mountains of central Asia and migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter.
Population Size :
1000000-2499999 mature individuals
Life Span :
The average lifespan of an Alpine Swift is about 5 to 10 years in the wild, with some individuals possibly living longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Alpine Swift has a streamlined body, designed for fast, agile flight. The coloration is mostly dark brown with a lighter, contrasting throat and belly.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.8–6.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and pointed, merging seamlessly with the body. The plumage is dark, often appearing glossy.
- Eyes: The eyes are small, dark, and positioned for good visibility in flight.
- Bill: The bill is short and straight, adapted for catching insects in flight.
- Bill Length: Approximately 1.5–2.0 cm.
Length :
The overall length of the Alpine Swift is about 16–20 cm.
Neck :
The neck is short and blends with the body, giving it a compact appearance.
Size :
Medium to large-sized swift with robust build, generally larger than the Common Swift.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and forked, aiding in agile maneuvers during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 8–10 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are stiff and aerodynamic, aiding in flight efficiency. The wing feathers are long and pointed.
Weight :
Weighs approximately 90–150 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long, pointed, and curved, perfect for gliding and rapid flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 50 to 55 cm.
Facial Feature :
The face is characterized by a distinct white throat and a dark brown crown and cheeks, providing a striking contrast.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Alpine Swift typically nests in colonies on cliffs, in rocky crevices, or under the eaves of tall buildings.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using a mixture of feathers, twigs, and other plant materials, often glued together with saliva.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from April to July, depending on the region.
Nesting Season :
They build nests during the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Eggs are usually a pale blue or white.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.0–3.4 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 2.2–2.5 cm.
- Egg Weight: Around 8–10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 2 to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Alpine Swifts usually raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 18 to 20 days.
Nestling Period :
The young birds fledge about 40 to 45 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Alpine Swifts produce a variety of high-pitched calls and vocalizations, often described as a series of rapid chirps or whistles.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little to no noticeable sexual dimorphism; males and females appear very similar in plumage.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Alpine Swifts are migratory birds that move between breeding grounds in Europe and wintering grounds in Africa.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs in late summer and autumn for southward migration and in spring for northward migration.
- Migration Route: They migrate through various routes, often crossing the Mediterranean and moving down through North Africa.
- Reasons for Migration: The primary reason for migration is to access warmer climates during winter when food resources (insects) are scarce in their breeding areas.
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