Abstract

 Separating Common Apus apus and Pallid Swifts A. pallidus in autumn in a vagrant context can be one of the more difficult challenges for birders in northwest Europe. The fact that the key characters of the juvenile plumage of both species are poorly descried in the literature is an additional complication. Based on a review of Swedish records of Pallid Swift, and publication in Swedish in Vеr Fеgelvдrld, this paper describes the key identification characters of Common and Pallid Swifts in juvenile plumage.