Plain Swift

The Plain Swift (Apus unicolor) is a medium-sized swift, a bird that graces the sky with its presence, much like the barn swallow or house martin, yet it is not related to these passerine species. The similarities they share are a result of convergent evolution, a testament to their similar aerial lifestyles.

Identification Tips

With a body length of 14–15 cm, the Plain Swift is characterized by its short forked tail and remarkably long swept-back wings that form a crescent or boomerang shape. Its plumage is uniformly dark, save for a rather indistinct pale patch on the throat. The bird's build is slim and rakish, presenting a more elongated winged appearance compared to its relatives.

Habitat

These swifts are known to breed in colonies that can be found on cliffs, bridges, and buildings, particularly favoring the landscapes of the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Distribution

The Plain Swift is a partially migratory species. While many individuals spend their winters in mainland Africa, recent studies have revealed that they venture as far as the equatorial forests of Liberia and Guinea. There are also small populations believed to breed in Morocco and possibly Mauritania.

Behaviour

These swifts are almost exclusively aerial, only using their very short legs to cling to vertical surfaces. They never voluntarily settle on the ground. Their lives are spent on the wing, where they feed and even drink in flight.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Plain Swift are a loud, dry scream, bearing similarity to that of the Common Swift, though it may be of a higher pitch.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in colonies where the Plain Swift constructs saucer-shaped nests out of flowerheads, which are meticulously glued together with saliva. They lay two eggs in these carefully crafted nests.

Similar Species

The Plain Swift can be confused with the Common and Pallid Swifts, which also inhabit the same archipelagos. However, it can be distinguished by its slimmer figure and longer wings. The Pallid Swift, in particular, is lighter with a more conspicuous white throat, while the Common Swift has a white throat in juveniles, making the Plain Swift's more subtle throat patch a key differentiator.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the staple of the Plain Swift's diet, which are adeptly caught in their beaks as they navigate the air currents.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Plain Swift as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.