Swift
Apus apus
UK Amber ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
May to August. Summer visitor.
Best time of day
Evening. That scream.
Lake District
Villages. Over lakes. That scream. Sickle shape. May to August. They don't land. They eat, sleep, mate in the air. Declining.
UK population
Around 59,000 pairs. Declining.
Overview
Swifts scream. That sickle shape. May to August. They don't land. Eat, sleep, mate in the air. Villages. Over lakes. Declining. Enjoy them. They're not here long.
At a Glance
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Habitat | Villages · Buildings · Sky |
| Diet | Flying insects. Catches in flight. |
| UK population | Around 59,000 pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Villages. Over lakes. That scream. Sickle shape. May to August. They don't land. They eat, sleep, mate in the air. Declining. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Villages, over lakes. That sickle shape. Scream. Fast. May to August. They don't land. Except at the nest.
Identification
Sickle shape. Dark. Scream. Fast. Don't land. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
May to August. Villages. That scream. They don't land. Declining.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.