Swift (16–17cm, 6½in)

During the summer months, the familiar Swift, a dark, torpedo-shaped bird, becomes a common sight across Europe. Arriving in late April from their African wintering grounds, they grace the skies until late August or early September before embarking on their epic southward journey. Adaptable to their surroundings, Swifts can be found anywhere, from bustling cities to quiet hamlets. As long as suitable eaves are available for nesting, they're content. However, if the weather takes a turn for the worse with heavy rain and wind, Swifts will swiftly (pun intended!) relocate to more hospitable areas, sometimes covering vast distances. They readily return once the storms have passed. With their distinctive scythe-shaped wings, short, forked tail, and dark brown plumage, these masterful aerial feeders are easily recognized soaring through the air. Seldom seen clinging to walls, their exceptional flying skills allow them to effortlessly maneuver in a variety of aerial acrobatics.

The Swift's plumage appears almost entirely dark brown, morphing to blackish at a distance, except for a small, contrasting white patch on its throat. Closer inspection reveals a subtle play of tones – the blackish forewings stand out from the darker grey of the rest of the wing. For the truly observant, an exceptionally close view will allow you to glimpse the tiny black bill and dark eyes.

Soaring through the air, the Swift's dark, sooty-brown upperparts are unmistakable at close range. In certain lighting, the trailing edge of the wing might appear a touch lighter. These aerial virtuosos, as noted earlier, possess an impressive ability to "morph" in flight. During high-speed dashes, their pointed tails remain closed, and their wings are held in a swept-back position, beating rapidly. While soaring, the wings extend further forward, and the tail fans open, creating a contrasting, stubbier silhouette.

A hallmark of summer evenings, particularly around dusk, is the spectacle of shrieking Swifts zipping between rooftops, sometimes skimming precariously close overhead. Yet, despite their seemingly daring maneuvers, they remain in complete control. These aerial masters appear to revel in their unmatched flying prowess, their piercing shrieks echoing through the air as if to announce their dominance of the skies.

The graceful Swift undergoes a remarkable transformation upon landing. Their majestic flight gives way to a surprisingly clumsy stance as they cling to a vertical surface, their grip seemingly desperate. This awkwardness on the ground likely explains their preference for spending nearly their entire lives airborne.

Distinguishing juvenile Swifts from adults in flight can be challenging. However, a closer look reveals some key differences. Juveniles appear browner and more mottled overall, with noticeable white speckles on their foreheads. Additionally, their white throat patch, or "bib," is typically larger than that of an adult Swift.