Swift
Apus apus
Length 16-17cm

A familiar summer visitor to most of Britain and Ireland except N Scotland, present from mid-May to early August. Spends winter months in sub-Saharan Africa. Invariably associated with man-made structures when breeding, nests being placed in loft spaces and church roofs. Otherwise spends its entire life in the air, feeding, sleeping and mating on the wing. Easily recognised in flight by its anchor-shaped outline and all-black plumage; has paler throat but this visible only at very close range. Tail slightly forked but this feature often not visible. Parties of swifts are frequently seen hawking insects above towns and over freshwater; large gape facilitates this method of feeding. Presence often indicated by loud, shrill screaming as birds chase one another through narrow streets or over rooftops. Claws on the tiny feet enable bird to cling to walls. Legs are useless for walking and, once grounded, bird stands very little chance of getting airborne again without assistance.