Mourning parents bid adieu to their flighted offspring in heartwarming video
In the heart of Stuttgart-Gablenberg, a thrilling drama is unfolding high above the city streets. A local pair of peregrine falcons, known predators of swifts, have been observed attacking swift nestlings in the area. However, the specific survival rate of swifts in Stuttgart-Gablenberg after these attacks remains undetermined, as there is no direct data or studies available addressing this question.
Swifts (Apus apus) are migratory birds that breed in Europe, including urban areas like Stuttgart-Gablenberg, and migrate to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. These aerial creatures, with their 35-centimeter wingspan and weighing just 40 grams, are well-adapted to urban environments but are not immune to predation. Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), known for their incredible speed and agility, have been observed hunting swifts in these urban habitats.
Despite the potential threat posed by peregrine falcons, the impact on swift populations is generally not severe. Swifts have adapted to predation pressure through their exceptional flight agility and timing of migration. However, the exact survival rates of urban swifts after predation events are not widely published in public datasets, with detailed studies usually region-specific and conducted by ornithological research institutions.
In Stuttgart-Gablenberg, the peregrine falcon has already claimed four chicks from the nest boxes equipped with cameras. Chick number 15 was taken on July 20, while the first chick from nest box 3 fledged on July 14, followed by its sibling a day later. The peregrine falcon female has even been spotted using the holes in the roof of a neighbourhood museum as a well-stocked table.
However, not all is lost for the swifts of Stuttgart-Gablenberg. The two chicks from nest box 3 have ventured out into the world and, in the coming weeks, are likely to join a flock and embark on their journey to Africa for the winter months. The swifts' farewell lasts only 30 seconds, but is a lifetime for the bird, with the young swift crying "Srieh-Srieh" before flying off into an adventure.
For those interested in learning more about the migration patterns of swifts or the general predation impact by peregrine falcons on urban swift populations, local ornithological societies, university research projects, or conservation organizations in Stuttgart would be the most authoritative sources. Meanwhile, the Stadtmuseum Gablenberg is live streaming the activity in the nest boxes on YouTube, providing a unique opportunity to witness this urban wildlife drama unfold.
The swifts of Stuttgart-Gablenberg have grown from newborns to beautiful, proud birds in just 40 days. Their flying skills, practiced with push-ups and wild wing-flapping, are a testament to their aerial lifestyle. As they embark on their independent lives, we can only hope that the remaining swifts will continue to thrive in this urban environment, despite the challenges they face.
In Stuttgart-Gablenberg, home-and-garden enthusiasts might be interested in the local wildlife drama unfolding, where swifts (Apus apus) have been under threat from peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). On the other hand, individuals with a keen interest in learning about migration patterns, predation impact, or conservation efforts can turn to local ornithological societies, university research projects, or conservation organizations for more information about urban swift populations.
