Taxonomy
Apus apus | Common Swift | Gabhlán gaoithe
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Swift is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a global
scale with a stable population trend.
Species Biology
Identification
The Swift is the largest of the
Hirudinae-like species found in Ireland.
It has rather long, scythe-shaped
wings relative to its body dimensions and a forked tail.
This aerial acrobat is almost
always seen in flight and rarely lands in view. It has disproportionally small
feet relative to its body which are almost impossible to spot when in flight.
The Swift stands at 16-17 cm in
height with an impressive wingspan (relative to its body size) of 42-48 cm.
They are a medium sized aerial bird weighing 36-50 grams.
Diet
The swift has a strict diet of
flying invertebrates that can be caught on the wing such as midges, airborne
spiders and flies.
Habitat
The Swift spends a massive
proportion of its life on the wing and can be seen flying around most of
Irelands countryside and towns.
In Ireland, it has no issue
breeding in close proximity to humans if a suitable space in a building is
found. It will breed in derelict buildings and will use artificial next boxes
if conditions are favourable.
Reproduction
The female swift lays a clutch of
2-3 eggs at 2-3 day intervals and incubate for a period of 19-25 days per egg.
Each egg weighs approximately 3.5 grams.
The young will fledge after 37-56
days.
An average wild Swift typically
lives for nine years, reaching sexual maturity at four years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Swift is a summer visitor to
Ireland, arriving from Southern Africa.
The Swift is widespread throughout
the country but the population is noted as declining. A similar trend can be
seen in Britain, resulting in its ‘Amber’ listing there.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch
Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/swift/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swift/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob7950.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22686800/86111691