The fastest bird in flight in the UK, you’ll need to look up to spot swifts as they live life on the wing, even sleeping in flight, and only coming to rest during nesting.
Look for: Black silhouettes (but actually dark brown feathers), with a forked tail and long wings coming to a point. If you can get close enough you might make out a pale patch at the throat.
Spot them: In towns and villages, as they nest in the eaves of buildings. Dusk is a good time as they flit about, chasing insects.
Listen for: Something described as a ‘scream’ but really a high, one-note whistle, and ‘screaming parties’ in the evening when they get together for a big shout out.
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