From Opus

Alternative names: Needle-tailed Swift or Spine-tailed Swift

Hirundapus caudacutus

Photo by jimmclean
Photo taken: Sydney, Australia.

[edit] Identification

20-22cm. Black, white throat, white undertail, which extends on to the flanks, and paler brown back, spiny end to the tail, long curved wings.

[edit] Distribution

Central Asia and southern Siberia, wintering south to Australia.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Rocky hills.

[edit] Behaviour

They build their platform stick nests in rock crevices in cliffs or hollow trees.

The diet includes insects which are caught in the air.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of White-throated Needletail in the ABID
• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages