Hirundapus caudacutus
The White-throated Needletail, `Hirundapus caudacutus`, is a magnificent and powerfully built swift, renowned as the fastest bird in horizontal flight, clocking speeds up to 169 km/h (105 mph). This aerial master measures 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length with an impressive wingspan of 42-54 cm (16.5-21.3 inches) and weighs around 100-120g. Its distinctive field marks include a sooty brown body, a stark white throat patch, and conspicuous white undertail coverts that contrast sharply with t...
Primarily found in old-growth coniferous and mixed forests, subalpine woodlands, and mountainous regions, often nesting in tree hollows or cliff crevices. Typically ranges from lowlands up to 4000 meters (13,000 feet) in elevation.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects including beetles, flies, wasps, ants, and termites, caught on the wing during high-speed aerial pursuits.
White-throated Needletails are almost entirely aerial, spending the vast majority of their lives in flight, only perching to roost or nest. They are diurnal, actively foraging for insects during daylight hours, often in large, dynamic flocks, particularly outside the breeding season. Foraging inv...
The White-throated Needletail boasts an extensive distribution across Eurasia and Oceania, with distinct breeding and wintering ranges. The nominate subspecies, `H. c. caudacutus`, breeds across Siberia, from the Sayan and Altai Mountains east to Sakhalin Island and northern Japan (Hokkaido). `H....
Least Concern
- The White-throated Needletail holds the world record for the fastest bird in level flight, clocked at an astonishing 169 km/h (105 mph). - Its common name, 'Needletail,' refers to the stiff, spiny projections at the tips of its tail feathers, which it uses to brace itself when clinging to verti...