Non Stop Flying Swifts

Swifts spend more than 99% of their time during their 10-month non-breeding period in flight.

13:08 29 October 2016

Scientists have long suspected that swifts spend most of their lives on the wing. A recent study has provided confirmation. Researchers have found that the fastest bird in level flight can fly for 10 months a year without coming down. 

 

Researchers from Lund University in Sweden used a micro data logger that was used to monitor the birds’ flight activity. It was attached to 19 birds that were later recaptured. 

 

Anders Hedenström, a professor of ecology at the university, said: 'When the common swifts leave their breeding site in August for a migration to the Central African rainforests via West Africa, they never touch ground until they return for the next breeding season 10 months later,'

 

'Some individuals may roost for brief periods, or even entire nights in mid-winter, but others literally never landed during this period.'

 

The study, which was published in the journal Current Biology, also revealed that the birds’ flight activity often appeared lower during the day than at night. Professor Hedenström said that the birds probably save energy during the day so they can ascend to high altitudes at dawn and dusk. However, the team is yet to find out as to how the birds sleep.