Scientific name: Apus melba (Linnaeus 1758)
Bird group: Swifts
Field characters. 22 cm. Like a huge Common Swift with white belly. White throat often difficult to see from distance. Plumage lighter brown than Swift. In flight somewhat reminiscent of Hobby. Flight strong and fast. Usually in flocks, but in mountains often seen in ones and twos.
Voice. Flocks give a long rising and falling trill. Also single 'skrii'.
Distribution. Common summer visitor.
Habitat. Mainly found in mountainous areas, both in remote places and in towns at mountain-foot. Also along sea-cliffs. Covers larger distances per day than Common Swift.
Food. Flying insects and airborne spiders.