Cook's Swift

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Not yet spotted on Fladder

The Cook's Swift (Apus cooki), often considered a subspecies of the Pacific Swift, is an adept aerial hunter of insects. It shares the characteristic streamlined body and long, swept-back wings common to swifts. This species is known for its impressive flight capabilities and endurance.

Where to spot

Primarily found in East Asia, look for Cook's Swift soaring over diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, mountains, and sometimes large cities. They utilize cliffs and man-made structures for nesting.

How to spot

Identify by their characteristic swift flight: fast, direct, and often accompanied by high-pitched screams. Observe their silhouette against the sky; specific tail shape (often slightly forked) can be a key identification feature among swifts.

When to spot

Observe them during the warmer seasons when they are present for breeding, typically from spring into early autumn. They are most active throughout the day, especially when foraging for insects.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Observe them during the warmer seasons when they are present for breeding, typically from spring into early autumn. They are most active throughout the day, especially when foraging for insects.

Cook's Swifts are part of a complex group of swifts that are incredibly difficult to tell apart without very close views, highlighting the subtle distinctions that define bird species.

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