Plain Swift

Overview

The plain swift (Apus unicolor) is a medium-sized swift that spends most of its life in the air, feeding on insects caught in its beak and drinking on the wing. Although superficially similar to passerines like the barn swallow or house martin, it is unrelated to them, with the resemblance resulting from convergent evolution.

Identification

• 14–15 cm in length with a short forked tail and very long, swept-back wings resembling a crescent or boomerang.
• Entirely dark plumage, distinguishable by an indistinct pale throat patch and slimmer, more rakish build compared to the pallid swift.
• Scaly underparts that are difficult to see except with excellent views, distinguishing it from the common swift.
• Produces a loud, dry scream similar to that of the common swift, though possibly higher pitched.

Habitat

Breeds in colonies on cliffs, bridges, and buildings across the Canary Islands and Madeira, with small populations in Morocco and recently discovered in mainland Portugal at Lisbon and Porto. The species is partially migratory, with many birds travelling to the equatorial forests of Liberia and Guinea for the winter.

Diet

Feeds on insects that it catches in its beak while flying, as it spends most of its life in the air and only uses its short legs for clinging to vertical surfaces. It drinks water on the wing and never settles voluntarily on the ground.

Did you know?

Recent studies suggest the birds travel an astonishing 2,600 kilometres to winter in the equatorial forests of Liberia and Guinea, a significant shift from the previously believed coastal wintering grounds.