Bird Lives 10 Months Straight In Air

The common swift, Apus apus, holds an unparalleled record for sustained flight, remaining airborne for up to 10 months continuously. These birds spend an astonishing 99% of their lives in the air, a testament to their extreme adaptation to an aerial existence. Their biology is finely tuned for life aloft, from their streamlined bodies and specialized wings to their ability to eat, mate, and even rest while flying.

Researchers have confirmed that common swifts migrate between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, undertaking journeys that keep them aloft for months on end. Miniature data loggers have revealed that some individuals land for mere hours over entire years. This aerial mastery is crucial for exploiting abundant, flying insect prey and maximizing survival. Evidence suggests they engage in brief 'power naps' during high-altitude glides at dawn and dusk.

Even young swifts exhibit remarkable endurance, dispersing widely and remaining airborne for extended periods after fledging. While continuous flight for years is unconfirmed, up to ten months of uninterrupted flight has been documented. Despite their incredible aerial capabilities, swifts face threats from habitat loss and climate change, highlighting the delicate balance of even the most extreme life strategies.