Pallid Swift

Pallid Swift (Drinking water)
Pallid Swift
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Apus pallidus
Arabic Name 
السمامة الباهتة
Kuwaiti name 
رقيعي
Family 
Swifts
Width 
46.0 cm
Length 
17.0 cm
Least Concern
Similar species 
Common Swift

In Kuwait

Winter
Migrant
Summer
Frequent
Common breeder

Information

Common passage migrant and winter visitor; breeds in Kuwait. The most abundant and widespread swift in the country, nesting even within the centre of Kuwait City. Large flocks are often attracted to wetlands; up to 520 recorded in mid January 2007.
Where in Kuwait 
It is found in urbanised areas and often around Kuwait City and along the Gulf Road where there are tall buildings, but also seen over farmlands and wetland areas in the Jahra area
In the world 
It has an extremely large range with a stable population and it has a wide distribution over Europe and Africa, from France east to Pakistan, and south to Zambia. It migrates further south during winter. It spends much of its life in the air; it feeds, drinks, mates and even sleeps on the wing.
Local threats 
Indiscriminate shooting and pesticide affecting its aerial prey