The silver-rumped spinetail or silver-rumped needletail is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Research on the silver- Rumped spine tail has utilized facultative heterothermy, or even torpor, as a physiological mechanism to reduce its metabolic rate and conserve energy in its tropical environment.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Myanmar and Thailand through the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Brunei, and parts of Indonesia including Borneo and Sumatra. It favors lowland primary and secondary forests, forest edges, mangroves, and peat swamps. Frequently seen over rivers, lakes, and coastal zones where aerial insects are abundant. Often forms loose flocks and joins mixed swift aggregations over clearings after rain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the silver-rumped needletail, this swift is named for its striking white rump that flashes during rapid flight. It has stiff, spiny tail feathers that aid maneuvering and may help brace when roosting. Studies indicate it can use facultative heterothermy or brief torpor to conserve energy in tropical conditions. It often forages above rivers and forest canopies in fast-flying flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, shallow wingbeats and swift, agile dashes
Social Behavior
Often forages in groups and joins mixed-species flocks of swifts above canopy and waterways. Breeds in cavities or sheltered crevices, with pairs nesting singly or in loose colonies. Both sexes contribute to nest building and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin twittering and buzzy trills while in flight. Calls are rapid and repetitive, carrying well over rivers and forest edges.
Plumage
Glossy blackish to dark brown overall with a conspicuous, sharply defined silver-white rump; tail short with needle-like shafts projecting slightly.
Diet
An aerial insectivore taking flying ants, termites, small beetles, flies, and wasps. Often concentrates where insect emergences occur, especially after rain or during termite swarms. Captures prey on the wing with precise, fast maneuvers and wide foraging circuits over canopy and open water.
Preferred Environment
Feeds above forest canopy, along river corridors, over mangroves and peat swamps, and across clearings and forest edges. Will also forage over plantations and disturbed habitats when insect availability is high.
