Black swift

Latin name: Apus apus

Description
Entirely black plumage with only a whitish chin; long, pointed wings and a forked tail.

Habitat
Widespread throughout Switzerland, particularly in large cities in the lowlands. It can also venture far into the Alpine valleys, provided it finds old buildings suitable for breeding.

Behavior
This gregarious, aerodynamically shaped acrobat has the peculiarity of never landing, except to breed (it even sleeps in flight!). It also has the peculiarity of only being present in Switzerland for three months of the year. It is particularly noticeable in the evening, flying in groups around houses and emitting long series of shrill “sriiii-sriiii!” calls.

Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on small insects caught in flight.

Observation period: late May to early August