Swift
Common Swift Apus apus

The Common Swift breeds across most of Eurasia and winters in the southern half of Africa. They spend most of their time in the air and eat and sleep on the wing.

This Swift above left was found on the ground in North London. It had probably hit a high structure (glass, wires). Once grounded, it is very difficult for swifts to take off as their wings are too long and their legs very short. It was undamaged. After a rest and some food, it was returned to the spot where it was found. When thrown gently up into the air, it was able to take flight again.

The Latin name means without feet because of its short legs designed for clinging to vertical surfaces.

Swifts have extra long wings and it is said that they are the only bird which, in flight, can flap each wing independently.