Apodidae

Apodidae is a family of birds known as true swifts, a diverse group of highly aerial insectivores within the order Apodiformes. They are characterized by compact bodies, very long swept-back wings, and extremely short legs. Swifts spend most of their lives in flight and are among the most agile, fast-flying birds.

Feeding and flight: Apodidae species feed on flying insects, catching prey in continuous, agile flight. They typically skim open skies over forests, fields, and urban areas. Many species are migratory, with some European swifts traveling to Africa for the winter, while others are resident in tropical zones.

Nesting: Nesting behavior varies by species. Some construct nests from saliva and plant material attached to vertical surfaces such as cliffs, building facades, or chimneys. Other swiftlets nest in caves. Edible nests produced by certain Aerodramus swiftlets are harvested in some regions.

Taxonomy: The family includes genera such as Apus, Tachymarptis, Chaetura, Cypseloides, Aerodramus and others, totaling roughly 100 described species. Ongoing molecular studies continue to refine relationships within Apodidae and with related groups.

Distribution and conservation: True swifts occur worldwide except extreme polar regions, with habitats ranging from forests to urban environments. They are closely linked to insect abundance and nesting-site availability. Conservation concerns are generally species-specific; some populations benefit from artificial nesting structures, while others face habitat loss and pesticide pressures.