Page 250 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

SWIFTS
Family Apodidae
SWIFTS

O BIRDS ARE MORE specialized than the
N swifts.They have tiny bills but large, broad
mouths, in which they catch flying insects.Their
tapered bodies and long, stiff, scythe-shaped
wings are aerodynamically ideal for sustained
flight.They have a good turn of speed when
displaying, but generally feed at a much slower
pace, gliding efficiently and turning dextrously
to catch their small prey.
Their feet are minute, with all four toes
pointing forwards, just enough to cling to
a rough surface but making it impossible for JUVENILE MARKINGS
Young swifts look very like their parents, but can be told at very close
them to perch on a wire or twig: indeed, they range by the fine whitish fringes to their feathers. Once they fly from the
are almost never seen settled, as they dive into nest they may not settle again for three years.
the cavities where they nest with no
discernible pause. Identification can be difficult, but good views
Swifts have become extremely reliant on reveal differences in shape and pattern between
buildings for nesting and few now nest most species. All are social birds, often flying in
in holes in cliffs or trees. However, fast-moving, closely packed groups during the
modern buildings are useless to breeding season.They arrive late in
swifts, which concentrate on spring and leave in late summer for
old housing and structures Africa.There, they feed in company
such as church towers.They with several similar species of
must face an uncertain future. African-nesting swifts.

SCREAMING PARTY
A group of Swifts dashes by at
rooftop height, with a chorus
of loud, piercing calls. This
seems to have a strong social
significance within the birds
of a breeding colony.

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