Plain Swift Apus unicolor Jardine, 1830

Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
Species: Apus unicolor Jardine, 1830

Description
This bird is small in size and dark brown, nearly black, in colour and flies very fast. May be confused with the Little Tern but the Plain Swift is smaller, darker in colour, has much thinner, dark wings and a forked tail.

Distribution
It is endemic to Macaronesia in the Madeira and Canary archipelagos. Found throughout the island of Madeira all year round, although the population is smaller in winter. Has also been seen in Morocco in winter (Chantler and Driessens, 1995)

Habitat
The Plain Swift is found in a range of habitats from the sea to the highest parts of the islands, as long as there are flying insects for them to eat.

Breeding
This species nests in small colonies, laying two eggs at a time. Two sets of eggs are frequently laid each year.

Madeiran name: Andorinha da Serra
Madeira Archipelago migrant breeder
Social: Flocks
Length: 14 - 15 cm
Status: Secure
Seasonality in Madeira: All year though many individuals migrate in Winter

Recommend Tours to watch this species:
Madeira full-day birdwatching tour
Madeira half-day birdwatching tour