Purple Needletail
NamePurple Needletail
Common NameWhite-throated Needletail
Scientific NameHirundapus caudacutus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)51
Length (cm)20.5
Weight (g)137.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is primarily sooty brown to blackish, often exhibiting a greenish or purplish sheen on the upperparts, especially in good light. It features a prominent white patch on the throat and contrasting white undertail coverts. The tail is short and square, with stiff, spiny projections from the feather shafts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of high-pitched, rapid chattering or screaming calls, typically given in flight. These calls are often described as a series of sharp 'sree-sree-sree' or 'chi-chi-chi' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across central and eastern Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Japan. It undertakes long-distance migrations, spending the non-breeding season in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.
Identifying Featureslarge size, extremely fast flight, dark iridescent body, white throat patch, white undertail coverts, spiny tail feathers
Description
A large, robust swift renowned for its incredibly fast and powerful flight, often seen soaring high in the sky. It has a dark, iridescent body with a distinctive white throat and white undertail coverts, making it stand out against the sky.
