White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) – A Comprehensive Study
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
Genus:Hirundapus
Species:Hirundapus caudacutus
The White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus), also known as the Spine-tailed Swift, is one of the fastest birds in level flight. It belongs to the Apodidae family, which includes swifts, birds highly adapted to aerial life.
Morphology & Physical Description
Size: 19–21 cm in length
Wingspan: 50–56 cm
Weight: 110–120 grams
Plumage:
Upperparts are dark brown with a metallic sheen
Underparts have a distinct white throat and belly, contrasting with darker flanks
Head Features:
Broad, slightly flattened head with a short but wide beak
Large, dark eyes suited for aerial navigation
Beak: Short but strong, adapted for catching insects in flight
Legs & Feet: Extremely short; adapted for clinging to vertical surfaces rather than walking
Tail: Features rigid needle-like tail feathers, aiding in stability during flight
Habitat & Distribution
The White-throated Needletail is a highly aerial species, preferring:
Mountainous regions, open woodlands, and coastal cliffs
Tropical and subtropical regions, often found in hilly terrain and river valleys
Migratory Range:
Breeds in central and eastern Asia, Russia, and Siberia
Winters in South and Southeast Asia, including India and Australia
Presence in the Sundarban
The Sundarban, with its vast intertidal mangrove ecosystem, is not a primary breeding habitat for the White-throated Needletail, but it serves as an important stopover site during migration.
Seen during autumn and spring migration while traveling between breeding and wintering grounds
Occasionally sighted above mangrove forests, feeding on insects carried by coastal winds
Prefers the open skies above river deltas, estuaries, and forest clearings
Feeding Behavior & Diet
The White-throated Needletail is an insectivorous species, relying on:
Flying insects like beetles, moths, dragonflies, and ants
Occasionally feeds on small spiders carried by air currents
Foraging Strategy
Aerial hunting: Captures prey in mid-flight, often at high speeds
Feeds in flocks, especially during migration
Uses rapid turns and dives to catch insects with precision
Breeding & Nesting
Breeding Season:May to July (in northern breeding range)
Nest Sites:
Prefers tree hollows, cliff crevices, and sometimes man-made structures
Unlike other swifts, does not nest in caves
Eggs: Lays 2–3 white eggs per clutch
Parental Care:
Both parents incubate the eggs (about 25 days)
Chicks fledge within 6–8 weeks, becoming independent quickly
Vocalization & Communication
The White-throated Needletail produces:
High-pitched chattering calls during flight
Soft whistles used in social interactions and during flock movements
Special Adaptations
Fastest Level-flying Bird: Capable of reaching speeds up to 170 km/h (106 mph).
Aerial Mastery: Can stay airborne for months, feeding, drinking, and even sleeping in flight.
Needle-like Tail Feathers: Help in stability and maneuvering during high-speed flight.
Deforestation and habitat loss reduce breeding sites
Declining insect populations due to pesticides impact food availability
Climate change alters migration patterns and weather conditions affecting survival
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
Although globally not endangered, monitoring is necessary as habitat degradation can affect local populations. Protecting migratory corridors, including the Sundarban, is crucial.
Conclusion
The White-throated Needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) is an extraordinary migratory swift, built for speed and agility. Though not a resident of the Sundarban, its seasonal presence highlights the region’s importance as a vital stopover for migratory birds. Conservation of mangrove forests and open flight corridors is essential to support species like this during their long journeys.
