What Animal Can Stay in the Air the Longest? The Astonishing Record Breakers
The common swift is the undisputed champion, capable of spending up to ten months continuously in the air. This remarkable feat makes it the animal that can stay in the air the longest.
Introduction: The Majesty of Aerial Endurance
The animal kingdom boasts a stunning array of flying creatures, from the delicate hummingbird to the soaring albatross. But when we ask, “What animal can stay in the air the longest?,” we’re not just considering flight; we’re delving into the realm of sustained aerial existence. For many years, ornithologists and zoologists alike have puzzled over this question. While migratory birds undertake incredible journeys that can last for days or weeks, the answer is more astonishing than one might initially expect.
The Reign of the Common Swift ( Apus apus )
The common swift (Apus apus) is a small, unassuming bird common across Europe and Asia. However, its seemingly ordinary exterior hides an extraordinary ability: It can spend almost its entire non-breeding life on the wing. This isn’t just flying; it’s living in the air.
How Common Swifts Achieve Sustained Flight
Several physiological and behavioral adaptations allow the common swift to achieve this remarkable feat:
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: Swifts possess a streamlined body shape, long, sickle-shaped wings, and light bone structure that minimize drag and maximize lift.
- Sleeping on the Wing: During flight, the swift engages in a form of unihemispheric sleep, where one half of the brain rests while the other remains alert, allowing it to navigate and avoid obstacles. This happens during its high-altitude soaring.
- Feeding on the Fly: Swifts are aerial insectivores, catching all their food—insects and spiders—while airborne. They drink by skimming water surfaces in flight.
- Extended Molting: Rather than undergoing a complete molt (shedding all their feathers at once, making them flightless), common swifts molt gradually, replacing individual feathers over several months. This enables continuous flight.
- Efficient Energy Expenditure: Common swifts have a relatively low metabolic rate during flight, minimizing energy consumption. They also utilize thermals to soar effortlessly.
The Science Behind the Studies
The discovery of the common swift’s incredible aerial abilities wasn’t based on mere observation. Researchers used miniature tracking devices, called geolocators, attached to the birds to track their movements over long periods. These devices recorded location, altitude, and activity patterns. The data revealed that some swifts remained airborne for over ten months continuously, only landing briefly to breed.
Competing Contenders and Why They Fall Short
While other birds can stay aloft for extended periods, none match the common swift’s record:
- Albatrosses: Known for their soaring flight over vast oceans, albatrosses can stay aloft for days or even weeks. However, they do land on the water to feed and rest.
- Frigatebirds: These tropical seabirds can stay aloft for weeks, even sleeping in flight. Yet, they do occasionally need to land to preen or, less frequently, hunt for food.
- Migratory Birds (e.g., Bar-tailed Godwits): These birds undertake non-stop flights across vast distances during migration. However, the journeys are interspersed with periods of rest and feeding on the ground.
| Bird | Maximum Time Aloft (Estimated) | Reason for Landing |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————— | ——————– |
| Common Swift | Up to 10 months continuously | Breeding |
| Albatross | Weeks | Feeding, Resting |
| Frigatebird | Weeks | Preening, Hunting |
| Bar-tailed Godwit | Days (non-stop migration) | Resting, Feeding |
The Evolutionary Advantages
The ability to stay in the air for extended periods offers several evolutionary advantages:
- Avoidance of Ground Predators: By remaining airborne, swifts avoid many terrestrial predators.
- Efficient Foraging: Aerial foraging allows swifts to exploit abundant insect resources across vast areas.
- Extended Access to Optimal Conditions: Remaining in the air allows swifts to follow favorable weather patterns and insect hatches.
- Reduced Energy Expenditure: Soaring on thermals requires significantly less energy than constant flapping.
Conservation Concerns
Despite their remarkable adaptations, common swifts face several threats:
- Habitat Loss: The loss of suitable nesting sites (buildings with cavities) is a major concern.
- Climate Change: Changes in insect abundance and weather patterns can affect their food supply and migration routes.
- Insecticide Use: Insecticides can reduce the availability of their prey.
Protecting these incredible aerial masters requires conservation efforts focused on preserving nesting habitats, promoting sustainable insect control, and addressing climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly defines “staying in the air”?
“Staying in the air” refers to continuous flight without landing on solid ground or water. Brief stops for drinking by skimming water do not disqualify a bird. The common swift is unique because it can spend extended periods aloft without landing for any other reason than breeding.
How do swifts sleep while flying?
Swifts employ unihemispheric sleep, where one half of their brain sleeps while the other remains awake and alert. This allows them to continue flying, navigate, and avoid obstacles during rest.
What do common swifts eat?
Common swifts are aerial insectivores, meaning they feed exclusively on insects and spiders they catch while airborne. They are highly skilled at capturing tiny flying prey.
Is it truly continuous flight for ten months?
While the data indicates periods of continuous flight lasting over ten months, there might be extremely brief landings that are undetectable by the geolocators. However, the evidence strongly suggests that the overwhelming majority of their time is spent aloft.
How do swifts drink water?
Swifts drink water by skimming the surface of lakes, ponds, or rivers while in flight. This requires considerable skill and speed.
Do all swifts have this ability?
While several swift species exhibit impressive aerial endurance, the common swift (Apus apus) holds the current record for the longest documented time aloft. Further research may reveal other species with similar capabilities.
How does this ability impact their lifespan?
It is not completely known how their sustained flight patterns affect the swift’s lifespan. However, common swifts have a remarkably long lifespan for their size, often living for 10 years or more.
What research methods have been used to study swift flight?
Researchers primarily use miniature tracking devices, such as geolocators, attached to the birds’ legs. These devices record location, altitude, and activity patterns, providing valuable data on their flight behavior.
What are the biggest threats to common swift populations?
The biggest threats include habitat loss due to building renovations and demolition (reducing nesting sites), climate change impacting insect abundance, and the use of insecticides that reduce their food supply.
How can I help protect common swifts?
You can help by preserving existing nesting sites in buildings, installing swift boxes to provide new nesting opportunities, advocating for sustainable insect control practices, and supporting organizations working to address climate change. Protecting these amazing birds is crucial.
Are there other animals that can stay aloft for extended periods?
Yes, as detailed above, albatrosses and frigatebirds are known for their long periods of flight. However, they don’t match the sustained flight duration of the common swift.
What happens if a swift has to land?
Because their legs are short and their wings are long, it is difficult for common swifts to take off once grounded. They avoid landing at all costs, and will generally only land to breed within their nesting cavities. Their physiology is optimized for sustained flight.