Apodidae·Ordre des Apodiformes·Préoccupation mineure (LC) — Espèce protégée·📅 Updated:
The Alpine Swift, thunderous speedster of the sea cliffs
Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)
Agrandir
Twice the size of the Common Swift, the Alpine Swift is an aerial powerhouse hurtling past sea cliffs at over 150 km/h.
My field observations in the Var — sites, months and context
✓ Aug 2026 Synthesis (1 record)Captured in high-speed flight along the sea cliffs of Giens and ridge thermals over Carqueiranne.
August 2026 Field Mapping Record:
📍Le Pradet — ENS Plan de La Garde(1 rec)
Statut dans le Var : Nicheur estival remarquable et migrateur dans le Var·Période privilégiée : Mai à Septembre
Commented in situ photo gallery
1 telephoto photographs taken in the Var department (Rule 11)
Agrandir
Photo 1 / 1 — Presqu'île de Giens / Vieux Hyères, VarVol de chasse rapide et plané en haute altitude
Recognizing the species on my photos — visible details
Massive 55 cm wingspan, pure white throat and belly separated by a dark pectoral band, long scythe-like wings.
Habitat
Limestone sea cliffs, steep gorges and historic stone architecture.
Diet
Aerial plankton: winged ants, flying beetles, aphids and airborne spiders.
Photographing the species: field experience
Tracking a bird at this velocity requires predictive 3D autofocus and a minimum 1/4000s shutter speed.
Remarkable facts & hide notes:
- •Capable of staying continuously airborne for over six months without ever touching down, even sleeping in flight.
- •Emits an exuberant bubbling trill echoing off rocky cliffs.
- •Its tiny feet have four forward-pointing claws designed solely for clinging to vertical rock.
