Estonian birds: Common swift

The common swift (Apus apus), Estonia’s Bird of the Year 2026, is one of the most characteristic aerial species of the Estonian summer. It spends most of its life in flight, catching insects, resting, and even sleeping on the wing. With its sickle-shaped wings, rapid flight, and piercing calls, the swift is among the most recognisable sounds of summer in Estonia. Although it resembles a swallow in appearance, the two are not closely related. In Estonia, swifts often nest in cavities of buildings, under eaves, and in other concealed places, making them closely associated with human settlements and historic architecture. Consequently, renovation works and the loss of nesting sites directly affect the species. As Bird of the Year, the swift highlights the uniqueness of Estonia’s urban nature and the importance of maintaining living spaces that also support species long adapted to life alongside humans. The swift symbolises freedom, resilience, and the vibrant rhythm of the Estonian summer.