Species Profile

Alpine Swift

Tachymarptis melba

Alpine Swift

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

10–15 years^[4]

Length

20–23 cm

Weight

76–120 g

Wingspan

54–60 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

Soaring high above mountain peaks, this aerial acrobat spends most of its life on the wing, touching down only to nest.

Also known as: White-bellied Swift

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Appearance

The Alpine Swift is characterised by its large size among swifts, with a sleek, streamlined body. Its upperparts are a uniform dark brown, contrasting sharply with a white belly and throat, separated by a brown breast band. Their long, narrow, and sickle-shaped wings are perfectly adapted for sustained flight.

Both sexes are similar in appearance, with juveniles closely resembling adults but showing slightly paler feather edges. The bird maintains this plumage year-round, with no significant seasonal variations.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Black
Beak: Black
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility98/100

Strength65/100

Adaptability90/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance99/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Alpine Swifts inhabit many environments, from high mountain cliffs to lowland areas and urban settings. They are found across southern Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa. Their breeding range extends from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas.

During winter, these birds migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of southern Asia. They are occasional visitors in the UK, most often spotted along the south coast during spring and autumn migrations.

Distribution

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Diet

Alpine Swifts are insectivores, feeding exclusively on flying insects and airborne spiders caught in flight. They have a particular preference for flying ants and beetles.

These birds can travel great distances to find food, often feeding at high altitudes where insects are carried by updrafts.

Behaviour

Alpine Swifts are supremely adapted for an aerial lifestyle and can stay aloft for incredibly long periods. They feed, drink, and even sleep on the wing, rarely landing except to nest.

These birds are highly social, often seen in large, screaming flocks, particularly during migration and in feeding areas.

Calls & Sounds

The Alpine Swift's call is a loud, piercing scream, often described as a shrill 'sree-sree-sree'. These vocalisations are frequently heard in flight, especially when birds are in groups.

During the breeding season, they produce a softer, more musical twittering sound near nesting sites.

Nesting & Breeding

Alpine Swifts typically form monogamous pairs, breeding from May to August. They often return to the same nesting sites year after year, showing strong site fidelity.

Nests are built in crevices on cliff faces or on tall buildings in urban areas. The nest is a shallow cup comprising of feathers, plant material, and saliva. Females usually lay 2-4 white eggs.

Both parents share incubation duties for about 18-23 days. Chicks fledge after 53-66 days, one of the longest fledging periods among small birds, reflecting their highly aerial lifestyle.

Conservation

While the Alpine Swift is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from climate change affecting its mountain habitats. Urban development can provide nesting sites on buildings and pose risks through collisions.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting natural nesting sites and creating safe urban habitats.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 1,000,000 - 2,100,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Stable^[2]

Elevation

Up to 2,800 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include Peregrine Falcons, Eurasian Hobbies, and occasionally large owls that can catch them during flight or at nesting sites.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for them soaring at great heights, especially near cliffs or tall buildings
Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched screaming calls
Observe their characteristic 'flashing' appearance as they alternately show their dark backs and white bellies during flight
In the UK, watch for them as rare but regular visitors, especially along the south coast

Did You Know?

Alpine Swifts can stay airborne for up to 200 days without landing.
They can reach speeds of up to 220 km/h during aerial dives.
These birds have been recorded flying at altitudes of over 4,000 meters.
The Alpine swift comes from the family Apodidae, which is ancient Greek for ‘without feet’, because these birds have extremely short legs and small feet, which are almost impossible to see when the bird is in flight.