The Common Swift (Apus apus) is predominantly native to Europe and Asia. Its geographical range extends across most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and as far east as the Siberian region of Russia. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, where it spends the winter months.

The Common Swift occupies a variety of environments throughout its lifecycle. During the breeding season, it is found in urban and rural areas across Europe and parts of Asia, favoring locations with access to open sky and buildings for nesting. In winter, it inhabits open savannas, wooded steppes, and edge habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing an ability to thrive in diverse climatic conditions ranging from temperate to tropical.

The Common Swift is an aerial insectivore, primarily feeding on flying insects and spiders, which it captures in flight. Its high-speed, agile flight enables it to exploit a niche that involves catching prey over open areas. The species is well-adapted to high-altitude migration and long-distance travel, which allows it to exploit varying resources in different geographic regions across its migration range.