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Apodidae Collection

Apodidae, commonly known as swifts, are fascinating creatures that captivate our attention with their aerial acrobatics and remarkable flight abilities

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common swifts (Apus apus) flying overhead, Wiltshire, UK, June. Digital composite image

Common swifts (Apus apus) flying overhead, Wiltshire, UK, June. Digital composite image

Background imageApodidae Collection: Swift (Apus apus) flock screaming in flight against blue sky and clouds, Monmouthshire

Swift (Apus apus) flock screaming in flight against blue sky and clouds, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK, July

Background imageApodidae Collection: Grey-rumped Tree Swift

Grey-rumped Tree Swift
Illustration of a Grey-rumped Tree Swift by William Swainson (1789-1855)

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common swift (Apus apus) group flying overhead, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, UK, May

Common swift (Apus apus) group flying overhead, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, UK, May

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common swift (Apus apus) flying low to water while hunting, Norfolk, England, UK, July

Common swift (Apus apus) flying low to water while hunting, Norfolk, England, UK, July. Winner of Animal Behaviour Category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2019. Photographer

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common Swift (Apus apus) in flight reflected in water, Norfolk, England, UK. July

Common Swift (Apus apus) in flight reflected in water, Norfolk, England, UK. July

Background imageApodidae Collection: Swift (Apus apus) in flight, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK, July

Swift (Apus apus) in flight, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK, July

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common Swift (Apus apus) skimming water surface having just taken a drink. Norwich, UK. July

Common Swift (Apus apus) skimming water surface having just taken a drink. Norwich, UK. July

Background imageApodidae Collection: Great dusky swift (Cypseloides senex) flock in front of Iguazu falls, Brazil / Argentina

Great dusky swift (Cypseloides senex) flock in front of Iguazu falls, Brazil / Argentina
Great dusky swift (Cypseloides senex) flock in front of Iguazu falls, Brazil/Argentina, from the Brazilian side. September

Background imageApodidae Collection: Common Swift (Apus apus) flying, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Common Swift (Apus apus) flying, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Background imageApodidae Collection: Brown-backed Needletail (Hirundapus giganteus), Khao Yai, Thailand

Brown-backed Needletail (Hirundapus giganteus), Khao Yai, Thailand

Background imageApodidae Collection: Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutila) adult, sitting on nest in cave, Trinidad

Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutila) adult, sitting on nest in cave, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, July

Background imageApodidae Collection: Apus apus, common swift

Apus apus, common swift
Plate 3 from John Goulds The Birds of Great Britain, Vol. 2 (1873). Hand coloured lithograph

Background imageApodidae Collection: Aerodramus leucophaeus, Polynesian swiftlet

Aerodramus leucophaeus, Polynesian swiftlet
Ff. 168. Watercolour painting by George Forster annotated Hirundo peruviana and made during Captain James Cooks second voyage to explore the southern continent (1772-75)

Background imageApodidae Collection: Hemiprocne mystacea, moustached treeswift

Hemiprocne mystacea, moustached treeswift
Plate 24 from John Goulds The Birds of Asia, Vol. 1, (1850-83). Hand coloured lithograph

Background imageApodidae Collection: Chaetura pelagica, chimney swift

Chaetura pelagica, chimney swift
Plate 158 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1831-34), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London


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Apodidae, commonly known as swifts, are fascinating creatures that captivate our attention with their aerial acrobatics and remarkable flight abilities. In this digital composite image captured in Wiltshire, UK, we witness a breathtaking sight of Common swifts (Apus apus) gracefully soaring overhead. Their sleek bodies and long wings allow them to effortlessly navigate the skies. Another member of the Apodidae family is the Grey-rumped Tree Swift. Although not pictured here, these swifts possess unique adaptations that enable them to cling onto vertical surfaces like trees while hunting for insects. They truly exemplify nature's ingenuity. The sheer number of Common Swifts in flight is awe-inspiring as depicted in Monmouthshire against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds. Their synchronized movements create an enchanting spectacle that leaves us marveling at their unity and coordination. Bradford-on-Avon presents yet another mesmerizing scene where a group of Common Swifts takes to the skies together. These birds embark on migratory journeys spanning thousands of miles each year, showcasing their endurance and resilience. In Norfolk, England, we observe a Common Swift flying low over water in search of prey. This behavior demonstrates their adaptability as they utilize various hunting techniques depending on the availability of food sources. The reflection of a Common Swift in water adds an artistic touch to its already captivating presence. The mirrored image showcases both its elegance and dexterity while highlighting the beauty found within nature's reflections. Monmouthshire once again provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the gracefulness exhibited by these magnificent creatures during flight. Against Wales' picturesque landscape, it becomes evident why swifts have been revered throughout history for their ethereal beauty. Norwich offers a glimpse into one aspect of a swift's daily routine – taking a drink from the water surface mid-flight. Witnessing this split-second action reminds us how every moment counts when it comes to survival in the wild.