The common swift migrates from Europe to Africa and is famous for its long, pointed wings and forked tail.
Common swifts breed across much of Europe and parts of western Asia during the northern summer. When autumn arrives, they travel south to wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Their streamlined bodies and narrow, curved wings are adaptations for fast, efficient flight.
Swifts spend an exceptional amount of time airborne. They feed on flying insects, drink by skimming water, and may even sleep while flying. This makes them different from swallows, which are also aerial insect hunters but are not closely related.
The common swift is often confused with the similar-looking house martin or swallow. Its sickle-shaped wings, dark plumage, and nearly all-dark appearance help distinguish it. It usually returns to the same nesting area in spring.