The Pallid Swift is a common passage migrant and occasional winter visitor in Qatar. It is frequently observed around grey water lagoons and farmlands and is more commonly seen than its relative, the Common Swift recorded breeding in areas like Zekreet and Downtown. Habitat & Behavior Pallid Swift thrive in open skies above wetlands, lagoons, and farmlands, where they skillfully hunt flying insects. With their long, scythe-like wings, they are fast and agile, often seen in large flocks above fields and water bodies. These birds are true masters of the skies, rarely touching down except during breeding. While adults only land during the nesting season, fledglings remain airborne for up to two years before returning to land to breed. Appearance & Physical Characteristics Pallid Swift have scaly-patterned, pale brown plumage with a paler throat and lighter grey-brown tones, distinguishing them from the darker Common Swift. While visible under good light, it is challenging to tell the two species apart in flight.The Pallid Swift typically lays two to three eggs per clutch. The eggs are white and elongated, measuring approximately 24 mm in length and 16 mm in width. Their smooth, elliptical shape is well-suited for the confined nesting sites these birds select, such as crevices in cliffs or buildings. Call The call of the Pallid Swift is a loud, dry scream, often disyllabic and described as "srrrree-aah," with an accent on the second syllable that drops rapidly in pitch. This distinguishes it from the Common Swift, whose call is more even and lacks the pitch drop. Size and Comparison Pallid Swift are similar in size to the Common Swift but feature paler, more uniform plumage and an aerodynamic body shape that enhances their high-speed flight capabilities. Seasonal Presence Pallid Swift are seen in Qatar during migration seasons, primarily from March to May, and as winter visitors, especially between November and January. They can occasionally be observed year-round, with a peak nesting period from early December to mid-May for breeding. Migration Path Pallid Swift undertake extensive migratory journeys between breeding grounds in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Autumn Migration: The swifts travel south through the Middle East, including Qatar, before crossing the Red Sea into Africa. Spring Migration: They return northward using the same routes to their breeding territories. Key stopovers include regions with abundant flying insects, such as wetlands and farmlands, which are crucial for feeding during migration.