Swifts
Swifts
Apodidae
The Eternal Fliers: Swifts (Apodidae) are the true masters of the sky, spending nearly their entire lives airborne. With their scythe-like wings and streamlined bodies, they are built for extreme speed, endurance, and agility. Some species, like the Common Swift (Apus apus), can remain in flight for up to 10 months without landing, sleeping and even drinking on the wing. Their ability to stay aloft for such long periods makes them one of the most extraordinary birds on Earth. Though they resemble swallows in shape and behavior, swifts are not closely related but have evolved similar aerial lifestyles. Their wide mouths allow them to snatch insects mid-flight with incredible efficiency. Their high-pitched calls and rapid flight patterns bring energy to summer skies, especially in cities where they nest under eaves and in old buildings. Swifts are highly faithful to their nesting sites, returning to the same crevices year after year. Unfortunately, modern architecture often lacks suitable gaps, leading to a decline in nesting opportunities. Conservationists have been working to install swift nest boxes and encourage swift-friendly building designs to help sustain populations. These birds are symbols of freedom, speed, and endurance, perfectly adapted to life in the air. Watching them slice through the sky at breathtaking speeds is a reminder of nature’s incredible ability to push the limits of what seems possible.