General

Common Swift: Medium-sized swift, dark brown overall with white chin and dark, forked tail. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has paler throat and white-edged feathers on back.

Range and Habitat

Common Swift: Found from Western Europe to eastern Asia and from Scandinavia and Siberia to North Africa, Himalayas, and central China. Can be found throughout this range during the breeding season and, following migration, spends the winter months in Southern Africa, from Zaire and Tanzania south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Prefers areas with trees, or buildings, with open spaces.

Breeding and Nesting

Common Swift: Two to three white eggs are laid in a nest made of clay, grass, straw, and leaves glued together with saliva. Nest is lined with hairs and feathers and built in a building. Incubation ranges from about 18 days and is carried out by the female; male bring her food on the nest.

Foraging and Feeding

Common Swift: Eats insects caught in flight.

Vocalization

Common Swift: Makes a loud, shrill scream.

Similar Species

Common Swift: None in range.