Alpine Swift

Apus melba

(A. m. melba )

Armenian Name:	Սպիտակափոր մանգաղատև

See Plate 36 for Alpine Swift and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	20-22 cm, Wing Span:54-60 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 188.
Description:	Brown upperparts, breast band, undertail and underwing; white belly and throat.
Similar Species:	Differs from Common Swift by larger size, white belly and throat.
Behavior:	Flies constantly during day; at night, roosts on cliffs or walls of buildings, or believed to sleep in flight. Call is a loud descending stuttering trill.
Habitat:	Mountains with sheer cliffs, caves, and deep gorges.
Food:	Airborne invertebrates.
Nest:	Cup of plant material and feathers glued to rock crevice with saliva.
Eggs:	30 mm, 3, white.