Silver-backed Needletail Bird Details
Hirundapus cochinchinensis
Silver-backed Needletail,Silver-backed Swift, Needletail Swift;
Chamach
Latham in 1790.
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Hirundapus
Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, southern China, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines, Australia.
Appearance :
Medium-sized swift with a robust, compact body and crescent-shaped wings. The upperparts are dark brown with a distinctive silvery-grey patch on the back. Their underparts are pale, and the tail is short with a spiny tip, which is characteristic of needletails.
Behaviour :
Highly gregarious and usually found in flocks, often flying swiftly in search of food. Known for their extremely fast and agile flight. Tend to roost and nest in colonies, often in caves or hollow trees.
Habitat :
Found in forests, hills, and sometimes near cliffs. Often seen flying high in the sky, especially near mountain ranges and tropical rainforests.
Diet :
Insectivorous, feeding on flying insects such as beetles, moths, and flies, which they catch mid-flight.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Distributed across Southeast Asia, including parts of Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
Population Size :
The global population is difficult to estimate but considered stable overall.
Life Span :
Not well-documented, but swifts generally live around 5-10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium-sized, sturdy, and streamlined body built for fast flight. The bird has a compact and aerodynamic shape with crescent-shaped wings and a distinctive silvery patch on its back.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) of needletails is relatively short, around 10-12 mm, as they spend most of their time flying and have limited use for walking or perching.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small and rounded, with a flat forehead. Adapted for high-speed flight, with strong neck muscles for quick aerial maneuvers.
- Eyes: Large and dark, providing excellent vision for spotting and catching insects during flight.
- Bill: Short, broad, and slightly curved. The bill is small but opens wide, making it easier for the bird to scoop insects mid-air.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4-5 mm in length.
Length :
Typically 18–21 cm (7.1–8.3 inches) from head to tail.
Neck :
Short and thick, well-adapted to the bird's fast and agile flight.
Size :
As a medium-sized swift.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and square, with spiny feathers at the tip that give it a "needletail" appearance. The tail helps with aerial control during high-speed flight.
- Tail Length: The tail is relatively short, around 5-6 cm, with a spiny tip.
- Feathers: The feathers are sleek, strong, and adapted for rapid flight. The wings and tail feathers are stiff and pointed, which enhances their speed and aerial maneuverability.
Weight :
Weighs approximately 90-130 grams.
Wing :
Crescent-shaped wings that are long and pointed. This wing shape allows for incredibly fast, sustained flight and precise aerial maneuvers.
Wing Span :
Typically between 43-50 cm (16.9-19.7 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Silver-backed Needletail has a relatively short and flat face, adapted for aerodynamic efficiency. Its large dark eyes are well-suited for spotting insects in flight, while its small bill opens wide for catching prey.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Silver-backed Needletail nests in tree hollows, rock crevices, or caves. The nests are usually located in elevated places for easy access to flight.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is primarily constructed from plant fibers, feathers, and other soft materials. These materials are often glued together using the bird’s saliva, similar to other swifts.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs during the wet season.
Nesting Season :
Usually between April and July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically white, like most swift species.
Egg Length :
Approximately 23-25 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 15-16 mm in width.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs about 3-4 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually lays between 2 to 3 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season, although in favorable conditions, a second brood might be possible.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period typically lasts between 22 to 25 days.
Nestling Period :
The young remain in the nest for around 35 to 40 days before they fledge and become independent.
Vocalization :
This species has a high-pitched, twittering call often heard while they are flying in flocks.
Sex Demorphism :
There is no significant sexual dimorphism in Silver-backed Needletails.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Silver-backed Needletail is a migratory bird that follows a predictable seasonal migration pattern, traveling between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Migration Period: The migration typically occurs during the onset of winter. They migrate to warmer regions in search of food and suitable climatic conditions.
- Migration Route: The migration routes are primarily between Southeast Asia and northern regions like southern China and the Indian subcontinent. During winter, they move towards warmer areas in Southeast Asia, and in the breeding season, they return to their breeding grounds in higher elevations or more temperate zones.
- Reasons for Migration: Food availability is the primary reason for migration. As the weather cools and insect populations decline, they move to regions with higher insect abundance. Additionally, they seek optimal climatic conditions for breeding, nesting, and raising young during the migration cycle.