Brown-backed Needletail
NameBrown-backed Needletail
Common NameBrown-backed Needletail
Scientific NameHirundapus giganteus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsDark sooty-brown plumage overall, with a contrasting white vent and undertail-coverts. A pale patch on the lower back/rump is often present but can be difficult to observe.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but may emit high-pitched, rapid chattering or twittering calls, especially during flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a swift, Dark sooty-brown body with prominent white vent, Powerful, direct flight, Needle-like tail projections (difficult to see in flight)
Description
A large, robust swift known for its powerful and direct flight. It spends most of its life in the air, foraging for insects high above tropical forests.
