Parques de Portugal

<p> <em>Tachymarptis melba</em> (Linnaeus, 1758)</p>

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  • Alpine swift

  • Tachymarptis melba (Linnaeus, 1758)

  • Apodidae

  • The alpine swift is the largest swift in Portugal. It has an aerodynamic body which is long and round, long and pointy wings and a bifurcated tail. Its plumage is brown, and a bit lighter on its dorsal surface and on the inferior surface of the wings, with conspicuous white spots on its throat and abdomen. It can grow to be 23 cm long and have 58 cm span.

  • Serra de Montejunto Protected Landscape

  • Lisboa e Vale do Tejo

  • Near Threatened

  • The alpine swift frequents large rocky scarps, man-made constructions, agricultural areas, and can also be sighted flying at great altitudes.

  • Spring and Summer

  • The alpine swift feeds on insects which it captures during flight. Under adverse atmospheric conditions it can travel great distances to search for food.

  • The Portuguese population of this species is estimated to be smaller than a thousand couples.