A remarkable bird renowned for its extraordinary long-distance migrations, impressive aerial acrobatics, and highly social behavior. Found across much of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, these sleek and agile birds are a common sight in the skies during the warmer months of the year.
One of the most striking features of the Common swift is its large wingspan, which enables it to undertake epic journeys across vast distances. These long-distance migrants are known for their remarkable endurance, capable of flying for extended periods without the need for rest or respite. In fact, Common Swifts have been documented flying for up to ten months without landing—a feat unmatched by any other bird species.
During their migrations, Common swifts often travel, hunt, roost, and nest in large groups, forming swirling flocks that maneuver effortlessly through the air in pursuit of flying insects. Their mastery of aerial foraging allows them to snatch prey mid-flight with astonishing precision and agility, sustaining themselves on a diet of insects gathered during their high-speed flights.
When it comes time to breed, Common swifts demonstrate remarkable nesting behaviors, constructing their nests in a variety of locations, including trees and buildings. The nest cup, meticulously crafted from feathers, vegetable matter, and saliva, serves as a cozy home for the incubating eggs and subsequent chicks. Both parents share the responsibilities of nest-building, incubation, and chick-rearing, ensuring the success of their offspring.
Interestingly, Common swifts exhibit a preference for vertical nesting sites, such as the eaves of buildings or the hollows of trees. This strategic choice helps to protect their nests from potential predators, such as opportunistic birds of prey or climbing mammals, thereby increasing the likelihood of successfully raising their young to fledging.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Benin
Bosnia And Herz.
Botswana
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
China
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Pierre
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Spain
Sudan
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic (size)
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
