The Difficulty of Swifts and Swallows

We get a lot of different visitors of the avian variety to the Center. Finches, sparrows, robins, starlings, pigeons, doves, jays, cardinals, grackles, and orioles just to name a few. Some of our more difficult birds to care for are the swifts and the swallows.

Despite their similarity in appearance, swallows and swifts are actually not very closely related. They comprise a separate taxonomical group than swifts. Swallows are birds of the Passeriformes (or songbird) Order, just like robins, starlings, and sparrows. On the other hand, swifts are classified under an Order called Apodiformes. They share this order with hummingbirds and are grouped this way due to the fact that they have very small feet and limited ability to perch. While not closely related, swifts and swallows do share several characteristics.

Perhaps the most relevant to the work we do, is the characteristic of a much higher nutrient requirement. Unlike most of the birds we work with, swifts and swallows require a much richer diet. For this reason, we feed them the normal formula we feed our other birds, while supplementing with yogurt, Nutri-Cal (a vitamin supplement for extra energy), and insects. Despite the effort, it is relatively difficult to effectively raise these birds.

Additionally, swifts and swallows in the wild eat flying insects while in flight. This adds yet another layer of complexity to the rehabilitation of swifts and swallows. Their bodies are built for efficient flying that, compared to other birds, takes much less energy. They are also very skilled at maneuvers and can fly long distance for length periods of time. In fact, this is one characteristic that we test on our young swallows to access how mature they are and how long it will be until they can be released.

So how are they so different that they are placed in separate Orders? While originally thought to be closely related, DNA and RNA tests have showed that birds in the swallow group have likely evolved from warblers. They also show distinct differences in genetic makeup between the species.

There are also several physical differences that may help you distinguish between a swallow and a swift. While swallows tend to have a fluid wing movement during flight, swifts tend to have a jerky pattern, similar to bats. Swifts often have stubby bodies and short tails as well as wings that are longer than the body when resting. To the contrary, swallows have wider (but shorter) wings and long tails. They also perch horizontally, while swifts can only perch vertically.

Despite the similarities or differences, both families of birds are difficult to raise at the Center. They are very labor intensive and sensitive when placed in human care. Today, we received a clutch of four Tree Swallows. They are beautiful birds but demanding of attention almost constantly. From experience, however, I know that if we are able to provide the proper care these babies need, it will be very rewarding to see them take flight once they get older.