Swift: White-throated Acrobatic Bird
The White-throated Needle-tailed Swift, also known as the Spine-tailed Swift or White-throated Needletail, is a species of swift that is widely distributed across parts of Asia and Australia. Here’s some information about this fascinating bird:
Scientific name: Hirundapus caudacutus
Appearance: The White-throated Needle-tailed Swift is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. It has long, slender wings and a deeply forked tail, which gives it its name. The upperparts are predominantly brownish-black, while the underparts are paler. As the name suggests, it has a white throat patch, which contrasts with its dark plumage.
Size: These swifts measure about 18-20 centimeters (7-8 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 45-50 centimeters (18-20 inches).
Habitat: White-throated Needle-tailed Swifts are migratory birds and are found in a variety of habitats. During the breeding season, they are known to inhabit open woodlands, forests, and shrublands. In the non-breeding season, they undertake long-distance migrations and are often seen in more open areas, including grasslands and agricultural fields.
Behavior: These swifts are incredibly agile and fast flyers, capable of reaching impressive speeds in flight. They are known for their aerial acrobatics, making sharp turns and dives as they catch insects on the wing. They primarily feed on flying insects, such as termites, beetles, and flies.
Breeding: White-throated Needle-tailed Swifts breed in the warmer months of the year. They construct their nests in tree hollows or crevices on cliffs or buildings. The female typically lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by the adults until they fledge and become independent.
Conservation status: The White-throated Needle-tailed Swift is generally considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, localized declines in some populations have been reported due to habitat loss and disturbance.
Overall, the White-throated Needle-tailed Swift is a remarkable bird with its swift flight, forked tail, and distinctive white throat patch. It is a fascinating species to observe for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.