Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Alpine Swift
Scientific Name:
Apus melba
Length:
20cm
Wingspan (mm):
51-58cm
Height:
23cm Description
Much larger than common Swift, with a slower wing action. White belly and chin also sets it apart but chin marking can sometimes be hard to see.
Distribution
Annual vagrant to British Isles most common on the south coast in springtime.
Locally common in the hilly areas of southern Europe.
Habitat
Breeds mostly in mountainous areas, but have been known to breed under bridges of large towns.
Diet
As with other Swifts, small flying insects
Population
44-62,000 breeding pairs across southern Europe