Queensland, Spine Tailed Swift? (1 Viewer)

[aussietrev]

Hi guys,
Had four of these briefly over my house this morning as they headed south. Luckily they did a couple of loops around and had time to get a couple of frames and then they were gone. I can't confirm it from my reference as it doesn't show the underview. Anyone know? A first sighting for me if it is.

 

[Dimitris]

Yes, definitely one. The barrel shaped body and the white 'U' just after 'armpits' and vent are diagnostic.

Cheers!

Dimitris

 

[Bruce Ramsay]

Hello.
Yes - I agree.
"Official" name for them these days is White-throated Needletail - Hirundapus caudacutus.
Congratulations on a "lifer".

Regards,
Bruce

 

[aussietrev]

Thanks guys,
I think this bird is more deserving of the swift name than needletail, man they are fast. Welcome to Birdforum Bruce

 

[Laurie Knight]

Hi guys,
Had four of these briefly over my house this morning as they headed south. Luckily they did a couple of loops around and had time to get a couple of frames and then they were gone. I can't confirm it from my reference as it doesn't show the underview. Anyone know? A first sighting for me if it is.

Definitely a Needletail. If they zoom close enough to you, you can hear the wind in their wings.

LK

 

[chowchilla]

They're great birds; I've often seen them following storm fronts on the tablelands. Amazing spectacle.

 

[njlarsen]

I really hope you will upload this image to the gallery. There is only two images in there now, and I think yours is better. Many more people can enjoy a photo in the gallery than one hidden in a thread such as this!

Cheers
Niels

 

[aussietrev]

Thanks again everyone, Niels I have posted a reworked tighter crop of the bird to the gallery, thanks for your support