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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. LXXXIII
Field-journal plate: Alpine Swift
The Alpine Swift plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate LXXXIII

Alpine Swift

Tachymarptis melba

Apodidae · Taxon 72516

Length20–22 cm
Wingspan54–60 cm
Weight67–128 g

Field marks

  1. Large, thick-set swift with very long, broad-based, sharply pointed wings
  2. Dark olive- to umber-brown upperparts with blackish wingtips
  3. White throat and bold oval white belly patch
  4. Broad dark breast band separating the white throat and belly
  5. Short tail with a shallow fork
  6. Tiny dark bill and eye; very short dark legs, usually concealed in flight

HabitatOpen airspace around rocky mountains, cliffs, gorges, and sea cliffs; nests and roosts in cavities on vertical rock faces and human-made structures.

BehaviorHighly aerial and social; catches flying insects on the wing, drinks in flight, and often forages in groups. Flight is rapid and powerful, with deep, relatively slow wingbeats. Clings to vertical surfaces and nests colonially in cavities.

Palette

umber brownolive browngray-brownwarm whitecharcoal black