Swift is a powerful, fast, and safe language— capable of building everything from tiny microcontroller programs to high-performance server applications. Its name comes from one of nature’s most extraordinary athletes: the swift, a bird that can reach speeds of 69 mph (111 km/h). These aerial marvels migrate as far as 14,000 miles (22,000 km) each year, spending months on the wing and almost never touching down.

But while the language continues to thrive, the bird that inspired its name is in trouble. In the UK, swift numbers have plummeted by 66% in the past 30 years, and swift species are globally threatened— including the Endangered Mariana Swiftlet and Vulnerable Chimney Swift.

By helping protect these remarkable birds, we’re not only preserving the namesake of our chosen language, but also safeguarding a vital part of our shared natural heritage. Explore below for ways you can support swift conservation—and help keep the skies alive for generations to come.

BirdLife International leads the world’s largest partnership for the protection of birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. From restoring vital flyways and saving endangered species to empowering local communities and influencing international policy, their work is grounded in science and powered by people. Every donation supports practical, on-the-ground conservation—backed by decades of global expertise and a network spanning over 100 countries. By giving today, you help safeguard not just birds, but the ecosystems we all depend on.

Find out more about the vital work of Birdlife International