The white-throated needletail, also known as the needle-tailed swift or spine-tailed swift, is a large swift in the genus Hirundapus. It is reputed to reach speeds of up to 170 km/h (110 mph) in horizontal flight, but this is unverified because the methods used to measure its speed have not been published. 75 km/h (47 mph) is more likely, but this is still at least 100 times the bird's length per second.
Region
East Asia to Australasia
Typical Environment
Breeds across southern Siberia, Mongolia, and northeastern China, and migrates through East and Southeast Asia to winter mainly in eastern Australia, with passage records in many adjacent regions. It is most often seen coursing over forested hills, mountain ridges, and coastal headlands where updrafts concentrate insects. During migration it also appears over open country and even urban skylines. The species favors areas with large trees or cliffs for nesting in its breeding range. Vagrant records occur far from typical routes during weather events.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the needle-tailed swift, it is famed for its exceptionally fast, powerful flight, with unverified claims of 170 km/h in level flight; more conservative estimates suggest around 75 km/h. The stiff, spiny tail tips help it brace against vertical surfaces when landing. It spends most of its life on the wing, feeding, drinking, and even bathing in flight. Breeding occurs in forested uplands, with birds using natural cavities or similar sheltered sites.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
very fast, powerful flight with rapid, scything wingbeats; agile aerial hunter
Social Behavior
Often travels and forages in small to medium-sized flocks, especially along ridgelines and ahead of weather fronts. Breeding is loosely colonial or in scattered pairs where suitable cavities exist. Birds spend much of the day on the wing and land infrequently outside nesting. Courtship involves high-speed chases and display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched trills, twittering calls, and sharp squeaks given in flight. It is generally not highly vocal away from colonies, with calls most frequent during social foraging and display.
Plumage
Sooty to dark chocolate-brown overall with a clean white throat and contrasting pale vent/undertail area; plumage can show a slight bronzy or greenish gloss in good light.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on flying insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, ants, termites, and moths taken on the wing. It exploits insect swarms concentrated by wind and topography, often along windward slopes and before thunderstorms. The species drinks by skimming water surfaces in flight and may bathe in rain or cloud. It does not typically glean from foliage or ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages high over forested hills, mountain passes, and coastal headlands where updrafts are strong. During migration and in winter, it also hunts above open farmland and cities, especially where insects are abundant. Activity concentrates along ridgelines and convergence zones.
