As with most swifts, the eurasian swift is slim bodied and has long, pointed wings which aid in this bird
species extraordinary flying ability. They spend most of their life, except for sleeping in their nest, in
the air. They even manage to mate while airborne. Eurasian swifts are at home in just about any
environment, except over dense wooded areas, and prefer locating their nests around highly populated
areas. These type areas offer numerous nesting opportunities and also tend to harbor large populations
of insects and spiders, favorite food staples of their diet. In the graphic below, numerous swifts are on
the lookout for insects and other food materials.
Eurasian swifts almost always pair up for life and usually choose nest sites that they have used before.
Nests are built of pieces of sticks, straw, bits of cloth, grass and various types of leaves. Eggs are laid
in the nest and are tended to by both male and female. The number of eggs laid at one time can range
from between 1 and 4 eggs, with the normal amount being 2 to 3. There is an incubation period of around
3 to 4 weeks. Newborn swifts generally enter a fledgling period ( period of inactivity when they are tended
to and fed by the parents, until they are strong enough to take care of themselves). After this 5 to 9 week
period is over, the young swifts are strong enough to fly from the nest and begin to catch their own food.
This species of swift weighs around 1 1/2 oz when fully grown and grows to a length of 6 to 7 inches long.
Sexual maturity is reached in 1 1/2 to 2 years but these swifts may not breed for another 2 years after they
reach full, sexual maturity. They breed annually, and as was previously stated, they catch various insects,
spiders, and other small creatures as food. Swifts use their amazing flying agility to catch flying insects and
gather many hundreds of insects into its throat....in a sort of insect ball. It then flies to its nest and leaves the
food there for the nourishment of the baby swifts. After, and only after, all the babies are fed will the adults
begin to eat. These small, delicate, birds often live over 20 years. Another interesting fact is that although
swifts closely resemble swallows and martins, they are not related to either species.
Below, shaded in red. is the range of the eurasian swift.
Chimney Swift
The chimney swift, a close cousin of the eurasian swift, is classified under the genus and species of Chaetura
pelagica, which is derived from the Greek words, chaite..meaning a bristle and oura...meaning tail and the
word pelagica...meaning marine. They are a bit smaller than the eurasian swift at around 5 1/4 inch long and
weighing slightly over an ounce. Chimney swifts are charcoal gray in color with a lighter color under its head
and midsection. In the graphic below, a female chimney swift is tending her young.
The breeding season begins in early May, peaking later that month, and extending into July. The breeding habitat
consists of mostly urban areas. Most nests are in chimneys, but this species will also nest in other structures or in
hollow trees. The nest is a half moon shaped structure made out of various twigs, plant material, and really, almost
anything that the bird can find which will construct a sturdy nesting place. The birds use saliva to affix the nest to
sides of cliffs, barns, and other structures. The female lays from 3-6 eggs with the normal amount being 3 to 5 eggs.
All other specifics, including lifespan, is quite similar to the Eurasian swift and other swift species, and no swifts are
in danger of extinction.
Below is the range of the chimney swift.
Other related swifts are the Black Swifts, pictured below....
The Vaux Swifts...
and the Alpine Swift.
