Birds of Ireland: Swift

Swifts are so adapted to an aerial existence that they cannot take off from level ground or perch on a wire or twig. Their tiny feet and claws are designed for clinging onto vertical surfaces

The swift catches its staple diet of insects by flying quickly through the air with its large mouth open, each bird catching tens of thousands of insects each summer

Swift (Gabhlán gaoithe | Apus apus)

Swifts are around 16-17cm long with a wingspan of 42-48cm They are a common breeding species typically seen here in spring, summer and autumn in farmland and urban and suburban areas.