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Birdman Mel's Backyard Tips
Overview
White-throated Needletail: Large swift, gray-brown overall with white throat and undertail. Wings are glossed with green. Tail is short and square, with protruding feather shafts giving a spiked appearance. Very swift flight with several rapid wing beats followed by swooping glides.
Range and Habitat
White-throated Needletail: Native of Eurasia, sometimes visits the outer Aleutians in the springtime. Preferred habitats include skies over cities, timbered ridges, and hilltops.
Topo Map:
Swallow-like Body
Voice Text
"chitter-chitter-chitter"
Interesting Facts
The White-throated Needletail was first described in 1802 by John Latham, an English physician, naturalist and author.
It was formerly known as the Spine-tailed Swift. It is also sometimes known as the Storm-bird or Stormbird.
This large swift is often mistaken in flight for a small predatory bird, but its long curved wings and white markings should identify it.
A group of swifts are collectively known as a "box", "flock", "screaming frenzy", and "swoop" of swifts.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Irina Rud-Volga
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