Alpine Swift

The Alpine Swift is a summer migrant which can be best seen at the the Castell De Santueri and also the Island of Cabrera so best to combine this with other species when visiting.

Techincal description

Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba) or Apus melba, is a species of swift. Alpine swifts are readily distinguished from the common swifts by their larger size and their white belly and throat. They are around twice as big as most other swifts in its range, about 20 to 23 cm (7.9 to 9.1 in) in length, with a wingspan of 57 cm (22 in) and a weight of around 100 g (3.5 oz). They’re largely dark brown in colour, with white patches underneath the beak and on the breast that are separated by a dark brown streak. Juveniles are similar to adults, but their feathers are pale edged.