At night, swifts have a unique routine. After spending the day flying and feeding in the sky, these incredible birds need to rest and recharge. Unlike many other bird species, swifts don’t typically roost in trees or on the ground. Instead, they have adapted to roosting in their nests, which they build in crevices and gaps in buildings or cliffs.
During the breeding season, common swifts land for two months to build their nests and raise their young. These nests, made of twigs, feathers, and other materials, provide a safe and cozy space for the birds to rest and sleep at night. It’s fascinating to think about these little birds settling down in their nests after a busy day of flying.
However, once the breeding season is over, common swifts embark on an incredible journey to Africa. They cover thousands of miles to reach their wintering grounds, where they spend the next 10 months. During this time, they don’t have the luxury of their familiar nests to roost in.
It is still a mystery where exactly swifts roost during their time in Africa. Despite extensive research and monitoring efforts, no one has ever discovered their roosting sites. It’s possible that they find natural crevices or other hidden spots in cliffs or trees to rest during the night. Or perhaps they have adapted to roosting in a way that makes them difficult to find.
The elusive nature of swifts’ roosting sites in Africa adds to their mystique and makes them even more fascinating. It’s like they disappear into thin air during the night, only to reappear in Europe months later to breed again.
Common swifts have a unique roosting behavior. They spend the nights roosting in their nests during the breeding season in Europe. However, when they migrate to Africa for the winter, their roosting sites remain a mystery. This aspect of their behavior adds to their allure and highlights the incredible adaptability of these birds.