Silver-rumped Needletail (Hirundapus cochinchinensis) – A Detailed Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Apodiformes
• Family: Apodidae
• Genus: Hirundapus
• Species: Hirundapus cochinchinensis

The Silver-rumped Needletail (Hirundapus cochinchinensis) is a fast-flying swift known for its streamlined body and remarkable aerial abilities. It belongs to the family Apodidae, which includes swifts and needletails, birds that spend most of their lives in the air.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: Approximately 13–14 cm in length
• Wingspan: Around 30 cm, allowing for high-speed flight
• Weight: Typically 35–45 grams
• Plumage: Mostly dark brown to blackish with a contrasting silver-white rump patch
• Head Features: Short, pointed head with a small, inconspicuous beak
• Beak: Short but strong, adapted for catching insects mid-air
• Legs & Feet: Very short and weak, making it nearly incapable of perching like other birds
• Tail: Deeply forked with sharp, needle-like extensions (hence the name “needletail”)

Habitat & Distribution

The Silver-rumped Needletail is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in regions with high humidity and dense canopies. It thrives in:

• Lowland rainforests and swamp forests
• Mangrove forests and coastal woodlands
• Riverbanks, estuarine areas, and nearby clearings
• Frequently seen flying above forest edges and water bodies

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, with its dense mangrove ecosystem and abundant insect population, serves as an important habitat for the Silver-rumped Needletail. While it is not a resident species, it is frequently observed in the region as a passage migrant or seasonal visitor.

• Most commonly sighted around open mangrove canopies, riverbanks, and estuarine regions.
• Attracted to areas with high insect density, such as marshes and wetland clearings.
• Occasionally seen flying in small flocks, engaging in rapid, acrobatic flight maneuvers.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Silver-rumped Needletail is a specialized aerial insectivore, relying entirely on catching insects in mid-flight. Its diet includes:

• Flying ants, termites, and other small winged insects
• Beetles, dragonflies, and mosquitoes
• Occasionally consumes moths and other nocturnal insects

Foraging Strategy

• Uses its wide gape to capture multiple insects in a single flight pass.
• Exhibits high-speed chases, catching prey without landing.
• Often hunts in flocks, especially during the monsoon season when insects are abundant.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: March to August, depending on the region
• Nest Type: Prefers to nest in tree hollows, rock crevices, and abandoned woodpecker holes
• Nest Location: Usually in dense forest interiors, near rivers or wetlands
• Eggs: Typically lays 2-3 eggs per clutch, incubated by both parents
• Incubation Period: Around 20–25 days
• Fledging Period: Chicks leave the nest after 30–35 days, developing strong flight skills quickly

Vocalization & Communication

The Silver-rumped Needletail produces:

• High-pitched chattering calls during flight
• Sharp, buzzing sounds when communicating in flocks
• Soft whistles during courtship and nesting interactions

Special Adaptations

1. High-Speed Flight: Reaches speeds of up to 110 km/h, making it one of the fastest birds in the region.
2. Aerial Lifestyle: Spends most of its life in the air, even sleeping while flying.
3. Sharp Needletail Feathers: The needle-like tail extensions provide stability and maneuverability during high-speed flight.
4. Efficient Respiratory System: Can fly for extended periods without tiring, thanks to highly efficient oxygen intake.
5. Short Legs & Adapted Feet: Designed for clinging to vertical surfaces, not perching.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and mangrove destruction affect its breeding and foraging grounds.
• Climate Change: Altered insect availability and shifting weather patterns impact migration routes.
• Pollution & Pesticides: Declining insect populations due to pesticide use may reduce food availability.
• Collisions: Often collides with glass structures and tall buildings in urbanized areas.

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Despite some local declines, the global population remains stable due to its wide range and adaptability. However, conservation efforts in mangrove-rich areas like the Sundarban are crucial for ensuring continued survival in the region.

Conclusion

The Silver-rumped Needletail (Hirundapus cochinchinensis) is a remarkable aerial specialist, perfectly adapted to fast, agile flight and insect hunting. While not a resident bird of the Sundarban, its regular presence highlights the importance of the region’s mangrove ecosystem as a rich feeding ground. Protecting forests, wetlands, and insect diversity is essential to maintaining healthy populations of this high-speed, aerial hunter.