Pallid swift / Fahlsegler (Apus pallidus)

Pallid swift at xx, Lanzarota. 2025-02-25 11:41:29 Lanzarote

Observations

Only documented observation: 2025-02-25

Description

Classification: Genus Apus (Apus); Subfamily Apodinae (Apodinae); Family Swifts (Apodidae)
General: The pallid swift (Apus pallidus) is a small bird, superficially similar to a barn swallow or house martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since the swifts are in the order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles. [more]
Vocalization: Similar to Common Swift, but usually very helpful for ID. Almost di-syllabic, with marked accent on second syllable which rapidly drops in pitch, "srrrree-aah". [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 03-23 - 11-15
Breeding: 05-01 - 11-06
Migration in: 03-23 - 05-21
Migration out: 09-07 - 11-15
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=16-17 cm, wingspan=42-46 cm, weight=41 g
Habitats: Settlement

Similar species

Song or calls similar to: Common kestrel.

Vocalisation

Calls: Common swift has a more even call, with accents on first part, without the sudden pitch-drop. [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
XC897963 - Pallid Swift - Apus pallidus - flight call in Portugal.

XC897963 - Pallid Swift - Apus pallidus - flight call in Portugal. Portugal ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC897963 - Pallid Swift - Apus pallidus - flight call in Portugal.mp3 (flight call)


Call attributes: flight call Frequency: ,