Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Pale swift

Scientific name: Apus pallidus


Pale swift

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: APODIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Somewhat shy

Safe distance: 20 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.10

Gestation: 10 a 12 días

Births: 01.11-10.11


Habitat:
High-altitude mountains, urban areas

Description:
The Pale Swift is a migratory bird species that is mainly found in southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This small bird is easily recognizable by its grayish color and sleek body, perfectly adapted for speed and maneuverability in flight. It spends most of its life in flight, only landing to breed. It feeds primarily on insects that it catches while flying, often at high speed. The Pale Swift is an open-sky bird, frequently seen at high altitudes near mountains or soaring over urban areas in search of food.

Recommended lens:
>=400 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph the Pale Swift in flight, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is most active. Use a telephoto lens to capture details of its plumage and fast flight patterns. Be patient and wait for a moment when the bird is bathed in soft light. As the Pale Swift is a fast migratory bird, it is recommended to take several shots to capture its dynamic movement.

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