Common Swift
Scientific Name: Apus apusMaltese Name: Rundun
Family: Swifts ( Apodidae )
Occurence: Common migrant
Breeds in Malta: Yes, Regular Breeder
Overview:
No birds are more specialized than the family of Swifts. Their broad mouths in which they catch insects, long aerodynamic wings, and quick fast movement in flight and good turn of speed make the Common Swift a unique bird. Infact the Swift is specialized for aerial living and spends all its life flying, even to sleep! The only time it makes contact with land is during the breeding season. The Common Swift has a dark body with a whitish chin. Their wings are curved and sharply pointed. It is a very sociable bird and migrates in flocks. It has a screeching and loud call. In recent times, Swifts have adapted to human urbanization, and now many have established colonies in urban areas, breeding in ventilators and building holes. Infact now, very few nest in cliffs or tree holes. It's useful to note that the Pallid Swift is a very similar species and resembles the Common Swift, and unless one gets a good look, it is difficult to identify Pallid Swifts from Common Swifts. It's even more difficult to pick out the Pallid Swifts when both species could be migrating together.
Status:
The Common Swift is a regular migrant, both in autumn and in spring where it may appear in large numbers, often in mixed flocks with other hirundines and swift species. Over the past 5 years, the Common Swift has established itself as a regular breeder. It is good news to note that new sites and pairs are being located every year across the island. The numbers of prospecting Swifts have also increased too and this augurs well for the birds' future as a local breeding bird. Common Swifts now breed regularly in the urban towns of Sliema, Paceville and San Gwann amongst others while Swifts are also breeding in the crevices at Mellieha Church and at St. John's Cathedral at Mdina. These Swifts can be observed chasing each in flight other low over buildings and are quite noisy. And fun to watch.
When to See:
Autumn, birds can make an appearance from as early as July. Infact the Common Swifts is one of the first migrants to pass over in summer. Sightings increase until they reach a peak in September and continue until October. It can be seen again in spring from March until June. Breeding birds remain here throughout the summer period and can be seen daily at their breeding sites.
Where to See:
It can be seen flying over from anywhere, both rural and urban areas. Large numbers can pass over on migration and flocks of hundreds are formed. Sometimes unless you hear them calling, they can easily pass over unnoticed as Swifts have a tendency to fly at very high altitudes.
Photographs:
 |
Common Swift, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
Back to Bird Species List