Plain Swift

Apus unicolor - Martinet unicolore

Martinet unicolore
adult
Systematics
  • Order 
    :

    Apodiformes

  • Family
    :

    Apodidés

  • Genus
    :

    Apus

  • Species
    :

    unicolor

Descriptor

Jardine, 1830

Biometrics
  • Size
    : 15 cm
  • Wingspan
    : 36 à 39 cm.
  • Weight
    : -
Geographic range

Distribution

Identification

Martinet unicolore
adult
Martinet unicolore

The Plain Swift is very similar to the Common Swift (Apus apus). It can be distinguished by a slightly smaller size, more acute forking at the tail, and a much smaller (often seemingly absent) white spot on the chin. In places where these two species and the Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus) are present, the identification of one or the other requires attention when observed alone. However, if the species are present together, the identification is easier.

Subspecific information monotypic species

Foreign names

  • Martinet unicolore,
  • Vencejo unicolor,
  • andorinhão-da-serra,
  • Einfarbsegler,
  • egyszínű sarlósfecske,
  • Madeiragierzwaluw,
  • Rondone unicolore,
  • enfärgad seglare,
  • Kanariseiler,
  • dážďovník morský,
  • rorýs jednobarvý,
  • Ensfarvet Sejler,
  • madeirankiitäjä,
  • falciot unicolor,
  • Niðsvölungur,
  • jerzyk jednobarwny,
  • vienmuļā svīre,
  • enobarvni hudournik,
  • Одноцветный стриж,
  • ハイイロアマツバメ,
  • 纯色雨燕,
  • 純色雨燕,

Voice song and cries

Martinet unicolore

There is practically no difference with the calls of the Plain Swift.

Habitat

Martinet unicolore

Only reproduces in the Canary Islands and Madeira. On these islands, it is present everywhere, both in towns and above agricultural areas or forests.

Behaviour character trait

Martinet unicolore

Part of the Plain Swift population appears to be sedentary. At least, the species is visible throughout the year, though in smaller numbers during the winter. It seems that part of the birds winter in the south coasts of Morocco. The general behaviour is similar to that of the Black Swift, in both its hunting habits and loud chase. Often seen in the company of the other two species present in the islands, this is a gregarious species.

Flight

Martinet unicolore
adult

For my part, I have not noticed any visible differences in the flight of the Plain swift. Very rapid wingbeat that sometimes appear desynchronized, long soaring flights with wings raised, among others...

Dietfeeding habits

Martinet unicolore
adult plum. breeding

Only insects captured on the fly.

Reproduction nesting

Martinet unicolore

The Plain Swift is a colonial species. Its nests are usually built in deep crevices of maritime and continental cliffs, much more rarely under bridges or in houses. They are made of pieces of grass and feathers bonded by saliva. The laying is usually two eggs. Almost nothing is known about the reproductive biology of this species. It seems that both sexes incubate and that there are often two clutches.

Geographic range

Distribution

Threats - protection

Martinet unicolore
IUCN conservation status
Extinct
Threatened
Least
concern
Extinc
in the Wild
Near
threatened
Not
evaluated
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC NE

The population of Plain Swift is low but stable. Its breeding sites do not appear to be threatened.

Sources of information

Other sources of interest

QRcode Martinet unicoloreSpecification sheet created on 30/07/2023 by
Translation by AI Oiseaux.net
published: - Updated: 10-08-2005
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