The Pacific swift is a species of bird that is part of the Swift family. It breeds in eastern Asia. It is strongly migratory, spending the northern hemisphere's winter in Southeast Asia and Australia. The general shape and blackish plumage recall its relative, the common swift, from which it is distinguished by a white rump band and heavily marked underparts. The sexes are identical in appearance, although young birds can be identified by pale fringes to the wing feathers that are absent in adults. This swift's main call is a screech typical of its family. It is one of a group of closely related Asian swifts formerly regarded as one species.
Region
East Asia to Australasia
Typical Environment
Breeds from Siberia and Mongolia through northeast China, Korea, and Japan, favoring cliffs, steep gorges, and occasionally tall buildings for nesting. During the non-breeding season it ranges widely over Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia. It forages over forests, coasts, wetlands, farmland, and cities, often exploiting updrafts along ridges and shorelines. Birds are frequently seen far from land over open sea during migration.
Altitude Range
0–3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pacific swifts spend the vast majority of their lives on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even sleeping in flight. They breed across northern and eastern Asia and migrate long distances to winter over Southeast Asia and Australia. A bold white rump band and scaly-looking underparts help separate them from the similar Common Swift. They often form noisy, fast-flying groups around breeding cliffs and tall buildings.
Flying with nesting material in its beak in Japan
Flying with nesting material near coastal cliffs in Japan
Temperament
highly aerial and social
Flight Pattern
powerful, fast flight with rapid wingbeats and long glides
Social Behavior
Often nests in loose colonies on cliffs or human structures, adhering nest material with saliva. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, they form flocks and frequently mix with other swift species while foraging and on migration.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screams and sreee calls delivered in fast-flying chases around colonies. Calls are frequent near nesting sites and quieter when birds are feeding high overhead.
