Alpine Swift

Alpine Swift
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Apodiformes
Family:	Apodidae
Genus:	Tachymarptis
Species:	Tachymarptis melba

The Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba, previously Apus melba) is the largest European swift. It can be told apart from other species of swifts thanks to its larger size, slower wingbeat, and characteristic vocalisations. Along with the Mottled Swift, it is one of the 2 species of the genus Tachymarptis.

Description

The Alpine Swift shares with its relatives a compact body, long, narrow, sickle-shaped wings, and a short, forked tail. It is about 20 cm long and has a wingspan of up to 60 cm. It has a dark brown body with white a belly and throat, separated by a brown stripe that runs across its chest. The white throat is barely visible from a distance.

Vocalisations

Its call consists of loud, drawn-out twittering series which either accelerate or slow down and drop slightly in pitch at the end.

Behaviour

A group of Alpine Swifts in flight.

Its behavior is similar to the other swifts. The Alpine Swift spends most of its time in flight, catching insects and arachnids in mid-air. A long range migrant, this bird reaches its breeding grounds in Europe between March and April and leaves for southern Africa in September. A monogamous species, the Alpine Swift nests in small colonies and reutilizes its old nest year after year. Between June and August, the female lays three eggs. The chicks, altricial, need to be fed constantly by both parents.

Distribution and habitat

The Alpine Swift breeds in rocky areas in southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, both in the mountains (hence the name "Alpine") and on cliffs by the sea. Nests have been found at up to 2500 m of altitude, while the birds themselves have been seen as high up as 3000 m. In the past few decades, colonies of Alpine Swifts have started nesting in urban areas, preferably on tall and isolated buildings.