Pallid Swift
Apus pallidus
The Pallid Swift is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the southern regions, where it can be spotted in coastal areas and near large bodies of water. It is most often observed in the UK during periods of warm, southerly winds that bring it north from its breeding grounds in southern Europe and North Africa.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Pallid Swift in the field.
The Pallid Swift can be identified by its pale underside, dark brown back, and distinctive forked tail, as well as its swift, agile flight. Its pale throat patch and white-edged flight feathers are also key distinguishing features.
The Pallid Swift is slightly larger than a House Martin, but smaller than a Sand Martin, with a slender, streamlined body.
The male Pallid Swift has a dark brown upperparts and pale underside, with a pale throat patch and white-edged flight feathers, giving it a distinctive appearance, with little seasonal variation.
Similar to the male, the female Pallid Swift has the same dark brown upperparts and pale underside, with no notable differences in plumage.
The Pallid Swift has a high-pitched, screaming call, often transcribed as a sharp "zee-zee-zee" or "sreee", which is typically heard when the bird is in flight.
The Pallid Swift is an aerial specialist, spending most of its time in the air, where it feeds on insects caught in its beak, and drinks on the wing, only landing to breed or roost, and then usually on vertical surfaces such as cliffs or buildings.
The Pallid Swift can be confused with other swift species, such as the Common Swift or the Alpine Swift, but can be distinguished by its pale underside and throat patch, as well as its more slender build and forked tail.
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