White-throated Needletail Bird Details
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Needletail,Spine-tailed Swift, Needle-tailed Swift;
Safed-gala Suipuchh
Latham in 1801
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Hirundapus
Russia, China, Japan, India (Himalayan foothills during migration seasons), Southeast Asian countries, Australia, and Europe.
Appearance :
Dark greyish-brown body White patch on the throat Pointed tail feathers (resembling needles) Compact, streamlined body adapted for fast flight
Behaviour :
Highly gregarious, often seen in large flocks. Known for their aerial mastery, rarely landing except for nesting
Habitat :
Forests, open woodlands, and mountainous regions. Prefers areas near cliffs or rocky outcrops where they can nest
Diet :
Insectivorous. Feeds on flying insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and wasps, often catching them in flight
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across a broad range, including parts of Eurasia, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Population Size :
Exact numbers are difficult to estimate due to their large range and migratory habits, but the population is declining in some regions.
Life Span :
Typically around 5–10 years in the wild, though exact data is limited
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Compact, aerodynamic, streamlined for fast flight. Plumage mostly dark gray or brown with a white throat patch.
- Tarsus Length: Short, around 8-12 mm. The tarsus is usually feathered, aiding in streamlined flight.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small and round, fitting the bird's streamlined body. Dark plumage around the head, blending with the rest of the body.
- Eyes: Large, adapted for good vision while flying at high speeds. Positioned slightly towards the sides, allowing a wide field of vision.
- Bill: Short, slightly curved. Designed to quickly open and close while catching insects mid-flight.
- Bill Length: Approximately 5-6 mm.
Length :
About 19-21 cm.
Neck :
Short and stout, almost non-existent visually due to the bird's compact structure.
Size :
Medium-sized swift.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Tail feathers are sharp and pointed, resembling needles, giving the bird its name.
- Tail Length: About 7-8 cm.
- Feathers: Dark and glossy, with the flight feathers being stiff for fast, agile flight.
Weight :
Around 110 grams.
Wing :
Long and pointed, specifically adapted for high-speed flight and maneuverability.
Wing Span :
Approximately 40-44 cm.
Facial Feature :
Minimal distinguishing features; the head is dark with large eyes and a short, broad bill adapted for insect-catching.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are typically found in crevices, rock faces, or hollow trees. They do not build complex nests but rather use available natural structures.
- Nest Made up of: Made of minimal materials like grass, feathers, and moss. They use their saliva to glue the materials together.
Breeding Season :
Breeds during the summer, typically from June to August.
Nesting Season :
Same as the breeding period;
Egg Color :
White, sometimes slightly glossy.
Egg Length :
Approximately 22-26 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 15-18 mm.
- Egg Weight: Around 2.5-3 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 1-2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 20-23 days.
Nestling Period :
Fledging occurs after about 45-50 days.
Vocalization :
Generally quiet birds, but they produce soft twittering sounds and short calls during flight.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females appear very similar in size, color, and plumage.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: Migratory species, moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
Migration Period: Typically migrates from breeding grounds in Siberia and northern Asia to wintering areas in Southeast Asia and Australia from September to March.
Migration Route: Long-distance migration over Eurasia, flying through parts of China, Southeast Asia, and down to Australia.
Reasons for Migration: Primarily to exploit food resources (insects) during different seasons and to breed in optimal climates.