WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL

Photographed over Distillery Creek Picnic area, Airey Inlet, Victoria February 2015.

502          WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL          Hirundapus caudacutus

Australia      (343)

Also known as Spine-tailed Swift. 19-21 cm. Breeds w. Siberia, Himalayas e. to Japan; regular summer visitor to e. Australia; found down eastern quarter of mainland and in Tasmania. Habitat is airspace over forests, woodlands, farmlands, plains, lakes, coasts, towns, feeding parties often patrol along favoured hilltops and timbered ranges. Loose parties to large flocks, often appear before unsettled weather, feeding on rising insects.have been observed from aircraft at c. 2000 feet above sea level over Aust. Alps. Airspeed when overtaken at c. 1000 feet above sea level was c. 100-125 km/h.