Alpine Swift
Tachymarptis melba (Linnaeus, 1758)
AI
ALPSW
7980
Family: Apodiformes > Apodidae
Much larger than our Swift, and with a pale belly, Alpine Swift is a scarce visitor, but one that is expanding its range northwards in Europe
Irish records peak in March, while British records peak in May, perhaps suggesting that these are birds from different parts of the Alpine Swift's breeding range.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Alpine Swift
BTO RECORDS
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Alpine Swift identification is often straightforward.
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Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Kent 1830, (Co, Cork, 1829) |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Foreign locations of birds ringed or recovered in Britain & Ireland
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Alpine Swift, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
BIOMETRICS
Sample sizes are too small to report Biometrics for this species.
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: AI | 5-letter code: ALPSW | Euring: 7980 |
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