| Alpine Swift Tachymarptis alba (aka Apus melba) |
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Embalse de Alange, Extremadura, Spain May 2022 The Alpine Swift breeds in Europe around the Mediterranean Basin and in the Iberian Peninsula as well as in central Asia, India and parts of Africa. European birds migrate mainly to Africa north of the equator moving south in September / October about 6 weeks later than the Common Swift Apus apus. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. |
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They require ledges or holes in cliffs or tall buildings on which to build their nests but, apart from this requirement, they are found in a wide variety of habitats because they are primarily aerial. Indeed it is estimated that they may cover up to 1,000 kms a day flying in search of their insect prey. | |||
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It is easy to identify given its large size, its white belly and white throat although the throat is sometimes difficult to see. The upperparts are plain brown which helps to distinguish it from the Palid Swift which has a darker saddle. It also has a distinctive slow (for a swift) flight with deep wing beats. | |||
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