Pallid Swift

The Pallid Swift, Apus pallidus, is a small bird, superficially similar to a Barn Swallow or House Martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since the swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles.

Swifts have very short legs which they use only for clinging to vertical surfaces. The scientific name comes from the Greek απους, apous, meaning "without feet". They never settle voluntarily on the ground.

Pallid Swifts breed on cliffs and eaves around the Mediterranean and on the Canary Islands and Madeira, laying two eggs. Like swallows, they are migratory, winter in southern Africa or southeast Asia. They are rare north of their breeding areas, although they are likely to be under-recorded due to identification problems.

Swifts spend most of their lives in the air, living on the insects they catch in their beaks. They drink on the wing.

This species is very similar to Common Swifts, and separation is only possible with good views. Like its relative, it has a short forked tail and very long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. It is entirely dark except for a slightly larger white throat patch on their chins which is not visible from a distance. It is chunkier than Common Swift, and the slightly paler flight feathers, underparts and rump give more contrast than that species.

The call is a loud dry scream.

See also

• Chimney Swift
• Alpine Swift
• Little Swift
• Needletail Swift
• Common Swift