Common swift

Latin Apus apus (L.)
Estonian Piiritaja

Also known as: devil swallow, crane swallow, hawk swallow, black martin, screech martin

Status in Estonia

Breeding and migratory bird.

Description

The common swift is a bird with a quite a stout body and a fairly large flattened head, distinguishing itself from swallows by its dark underside, slightly larger size and different wing shape and flying style. The sickle-shaped wings have long primaries, an inconspicuous wing bend, a white throat and a rather short, forked tail. The legs are small and unsuitable for walking on the ground. The juvenile has a pale forehead and chin, and its wing coverts are have a short white border.

Size

Body length 17–18.5 cm, wingspan 40–44 cm, body mass 42–54 g.

Similar species

Western house martin, barn swallow.

Distribution

Its distribution area ranges from the Western Palearctic to Lake Baikal, with Iran being the southeast border. It winters mainly in Zaire, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is a widespread species in Estonia, primarily in villages, and is the most common human companion.

Population

Estonia has 50,000–100,000 breeding pairs.

Occurrence in Estonia

It arrives in Estonia during May. Autumn migration lasts from late August until mid-October.

Diet

It feeds on airborne insects.

Habitat

The common swift is a breeding bird that is pretty evenly distributed throughout Estonia. It does not inhabit large forested areas or, due to a lack of nesting sites, bigger open clearings. The great majority of common swifts that nest in Eurasia and Africa do so near human settlements.

Nesting

It nests primarily under roofs but also in tree hollows, nest boxes and building wall niches. The nest is made of fibres, straw and feathers that fly through the air and are bound together by saliva. The nest takes around eight days to build. If possible, it reuses the same nest in the following years. The female bird lays 2–3 white eggs towards the end of May, which both parents continue to incubate for a week and a half or longer, depending on the weather. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for a long time (5–8 weeks). They may also go into torpor for 4–5 days and starve. Food is provided to the chicks in the shape of balls kept in the crop. Chicks develop the ability to fly in August and become self-sufficient immediately afterwards. The juveniles reach sexual maturity at the age of 2–3 years.

Conservation status and protection

Not under protection. Birds of prey capable of catching a common swift (such as the Eurasian hobby) pose a threat. During nesting, cats also pose a threat. During low flights, cars are a risk.

Distribution and population in Lääne County

The common swift is a very common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. As a capable flier, the common swift can be found practically anywhere, but they are most widespread in towns and bigger settlements. The majority of common swifts in Lääne County are found in Haapsalu, where they can nest in the ventilation vents of panel buildings. During the migration, you may also encounter the common swift on the coast.

In late July and August, you can observe the autumn migration of common swifts at Cape Puise or Cape Põõsaspea.