Purple Needletail
Hirundapus celebensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="hirundapus-celebensis"></birdfyi-bird>The Purple Needletail (Hirundapus celebensis) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 42.7 cm and a weight of 186.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A large needletail swift (19-20 cm) endemic to the Philippines and Sulawesi. Dark plumage with purplish gloss and a white throat patch. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore, foraging in rapid flight over montane forests. Less studied than its continental relatives.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 42.7 cm | 16.8 in |
| Weight | 186.5 g | 6.58 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Very large; dark black-brown upperparts with intense purple gloss on back and wing coverts; white throat patch; white undertail coverts; short spiny tail; Sulawesi endemic and the heaviest needletail; stunning purple iridescence on upperparts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found on Sulawesi, the Philippines, and adjacent islands in Wallacea. Resident in lowland and hill forest, foraging over forest and open areas.
Diet & Feeding
Catches aerial plankton of small insects and spiders in fast sweeping flight; roosts in rock crevices.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Thin, penetrating screech with piercing quality; rapid trilling notes cascading steeply, cutting through jungle noise effectively.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Hirundapus |
| Species | Hirundapus celebensis |
Distribution
Purple Needletail has been recorded in 2 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Purple Needletail eat?
Where does the Purple Needletail live?
Is the Purple Needletail endangered?
What does the Purple Needletail sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family