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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Tachymarptis melba
Alpine swift. Greek: βουνοσταχτάρα. Gadouras river-mouth lagoon, July 2022.
Breeding migrant, common in large numbers in some areas. April to September. Length 20-22 cm, wingspan 54-60 cm. Sexes similar. Dark brown overall with white belly and throat patch. Long, broad wings, tail with shallow fork. Diverse habitats, often far from nesting sites, coastal lagoons in early morning and late afternoon. Monogamous, nests in colonies on steep cliffs. Powerful, rapid flight with deep wing beats. Spends most of its life on the wing. Feeds on insects caught in flight. Drinks on the wing by stooping low to skim briefly water surface. Can mate, sleep in flight. Shrill chittering call.
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