© © Stefan Johansson Swift Apus apus The swift is a fast-flying, streamlined bird with long, curved wings and a short, forked tail. © © Stefan Johansson Originally nesting on cliffs, it now mainly nests in buildings such as churches, chimneys and even tower blocks; it is particularly common in older parts of towns and cities. Arriving in Britain in April from their wintering grounds in Africa, swifts feast on flying insects. Sheffield Swift City Sheffield is on a mission to become a ‘Swift City’ – a declaration of ambition from the people of Sheffield to protect our red-listed swifts and work together for their conservation across the city. Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is working at the heart of this endeavour, supporting the work of the Sheffield Swift Network – a collaboration of local groups dedicated to taking action for swifts in their communities and across the city. Sheffield Swift City How to identify Larger than swallows and martins, swifts are black all over with a small pale patch on the throat. Looking a bit like a boomerang when in the air, swifts are very sociable and can often be spotted in large groups wheeling over roofs and calling to each other with high-pitched sounds. They do not perch on wires like swallows. Where and when to find A common and widespread summer visitor. Did you know? Swifts spend almost their entire life on the wing, even sleeping and mating whilst flying, only landing to nest. How you can help Although common, breeding populations of swifts have been declining over recent decades. With modern building techniques, the swift’s preferred nesting cavities in buildings, such as those under eaves, are becoming few and far between. Specially developed nestboxes may help this species to survive in our towns and villages. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there’s plenty of facts and tips to get you started. Specially designed nestboxes help this species to survive in our towns and villages, where renovation work often blocks the small holes they use to access their nest sites. To discover more about swifts and the range of boxes available, visit www.swift-conservation.org or actionforswifts.blogspot.com Let us know if you see swifts at home, or when out and about – your records are really important to help us assess the wellbeing of the swift population – at wildsheffield.com/sightings. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit the wildlife gardening section of our website, where there are plenty of facts and tips to get you started. Fallen or injured swifts Should you encounter a swift that has been injured, contact Sheffield Swift Rescue, who facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of any fallen or injured Swift in Sheffield and South East Derbyshire. Please WhatsApp 07396 712589 with photos. TEl: 07396 712589 FACEBOOK EMAIL You can also find more information and advice about fallen or injured swifts or other birds from Pet Samaritans on 01246 455777 (Chesterfield) and The Special Branch. Join your local swift group There are a number of swift groups in Sheffield who are installing nestboxes, recording local activity and sightings to help the species. Why not get in touch with your local group and ask for more information? Find out more at our dedicated Sheffield Swift City page. Watch and Listen Swifts have a distinctive high-pitched call, which can be described as a ‘screech’. A large group of calling swifts can sometimes be referred to as a ‘screaming party’. It is a familiar and recognisable noise, which many associate with nature’s ‘Sound of the Summer’. Listen below… by Tom Hibbert Key FactsLength: 16-17cmWingspan: 45cmWeight: 44gAverage lifespan: 9 yearsConservation status: Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2019).When to see: April to August Donate Donate to help support Swift and other wildlife. Donate Swift Products Swift Screaming Party Mug £10.00 Select options Swift Screaming Party Premium Organic T-Shirt £30.00 Select options Swifts, Swallows and Martins Mug £10.00 Select options Shop Now Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds