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In: Common Swift Ca: Falciot negre Da: Mursejler De: Mauersegler Es: Vencejo común Fi: tervapääsky Fr: Martinet noir It: Rondone Nl: Gierzwaluw No: Tårnseiler Pt: Andorinhão-preto Sv: Tornseglare US: Common Swift Ru: Черный стриж Bird News Extra subscribers should log in to view an enhanced species page.
IdentificationSwifts appear most closely similar to swallows but they have longer, stiffer, more sickle-shaped wings and their plumage is all dark almost black except for a paler chin. HabitatBreeds in towns and cities and occasionally in old trees. BehaviourThe Swift is the most aerial of all birds, feeding, mating and even sleeping on the wing. They only perch in order to breed and so must fly non-stop outside the breeding season, going eight or nine months without landing. The screaming displays of Swifts are probably to advertise the presence of the colony to other Swifts. The idea is that if more birds join the colony then there will be a larger pool of birds finding the best feeding areas and this would benefit all members of the colony. MigrationA migratory bird which arrives in Europe and the British Isles usually during late April after wintering south of the equator. Western European poulations favour Zaire and Tanzania, some as far south as Zambia and Mozambique. This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.
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