Swift
Apus apus
The Swift is a medium-sized bird that can be seen in Britain from May to August, typically in urban and rural areas with suitable nesting sites, such as under eaves or in tree holes. It is a common summer visitor to the UK, with large colonies often forming in towns and cities.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Swift in the field.
The Swift can be identified by its sleek, cylindrical body, long, curved wings, and distinctive forked tail, as well as its dark brown plumage with a pale throat patch. Its wings are long and narrow, with a noticeable curvature, and it has a distinctive white or pale patch on its chin.
The Swift is larger than a House Martin, but smaller than a Blackbird, with a length of approximately 16-17 cm.
The male Swift has a uniform dark brown plumage, with a pale throat patch and a white or pale chin patch, with no significant seasonal variation in its appearance.
The female Swift is similar to the male, with no notable differences in plumage or coloration.
The Swift's call is a loud, high-pitched screaming sound, often transcribed as "sreee" or "zreee", which is typically heard when the birds are in flight or interacting with each other.
Swifts are aerial feeders, catching insects in mid-air with their long, curved wings and agile flight, and they are often seen flying at high speeds, performing acrobatic maneuvers in pursuit of prey. They are also known for their colonial breeding habits, with large groups often nesting in close proximity to each other.
The Swift can be confused with the Barn Swallow or House Martin, but it can be distinguished from these species by its larger size, darker plumage, and distinctive forked tail, as well as its screaming call, which is louder and more piercing than the calls of these other species.
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