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Plain Swift

Apus unicolor

The plain swift (Apus unicolor) is a medium-sized swift. Although this bird is superficially similar to a barn swallow or house martin, it is not related to those passerine species. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles. This 14–15 cm long species is very similar to the closely related common and pallid swifts, which also occur in the archipelagos, and separation is only possible with good views. Like its relatives, 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 an indistinct pale throat patch. It is slimmer and more rakish than the pallid swift, and is darker than that species and lacks the obvious white throat. Distinguishing the plain swift from the similarly plumaged common swift is much more difficult, although juvenile common can be easily eliminated due to its white throat. The plain is slimmer and appears longer winged than the common, and has scaly underparts, difficult to see except with excellent views. The call is a loud dry scream similar to that of the common swift, though possibly higher pitched.
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Plain Swifts on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Laura Woods
Laura Woods
Thursday 20 Apr 2023 - 9:29am
Spain
A photo of a Plain Swift photographed in Pearly Grey Ocean Club Spain
Profile picture for Joanna Noble
Joanna Noble
Monday 10 Apr 2023 - 8:31am
Spain
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Ian D
Ian D
Tuesday 04 Apr 2023 - 8:57am
Spain
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Adam Bannister
Adam Bannister
Saturday 18 Mar 2023 - 2:43pm
Spain
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