Swift

Audio:

Herman van der Meer ( www.xeno-canto.org )

Swifts can fly in large groups high above the city with much screaming. Once a Swift lands on the ground, it has problems flying away. It lacks the strength in its legs to make a jumpstart.

Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apus_apus

Map:

http://eol.org/pages/1046068/maps

Scientific name:

Apus apus

Presence in western Europe:

Common

More information

Size:

Blackbird

Birdtype:

songbirds

Main colour:

Black,

Dark grey

Beak colour:

Black

Beak shape:

Thin and short

Crown colour:

Black

Breast colour:

Black

Belly colour:

Black

Throat colour:

Dark grey

Rump colour:

Black

Upperwing colour:

Black

Underwing colour:

Black

Wing shape:

Pointed

Leg colour:

Black

Leg shape:

Songbird

Tail colour:

Black

Tail shape:

Forked long

Looks like

Barn Swallow

Read more about Barn Swallow

The Swift is characterized by a different way of flying: short, quick strokes and then a long glide. The Barn Swallow 'flies' more during its flight. The Swift is often high in the air, the Barn Swallow hunts near the ground.