Silver-backed Needletail vs Alpine Swift
Hirundapus cochinchinensis compared with Tachymarptis melba
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Silver-backed Needletail | Alpine Swift |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hirundapus cochinchinensis | Tachymarptis melba |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Apodidae | Apodidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 36.6 cm (14.4 in) | 43.9 cm (17.3 in) |
| Weight | 85.97999999999999 g (3.03 oz) | 97.5 g (3.44 oz) |
| Diet | Obligate aerial forager on small insects and airborne spiders; among the fastest-flying of all swift … | Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Silver-backed Needletail
Dry, rattling trill with softer ending; rapid series of clipped notes dropping slightly in pitch as the bird gains speed.
Alpine Swift
Rapid series of short, clipped whistles; bright, clean notes delivered in quick succession with occasional doubled phrase.
Geographic Range & Migration
Silver-backed Needletail
Found from northeastern India and China through Southeast Asia to the Greater Sundas. Partially migratory; winters south in forest and open areas.
Alpine Swift
Breeds from southern Europe and North Africa east through Central Asia and the Himalayas to India. Migratory; winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Conservation Status
Silver-backed Needletail
Alpine Swift
How to Tell Them Apart
Silver-backed Needletail
Large; blackish-brown body; distinctive large silvery-white back patch between wings; white throat and undertail coverts; short spiny tail; Southeast Asian species closely resembling White-throated Needletail but silvery-white saddle more extensive.
Alpine Swift
Large; dark brown upperparts; white throat patch separated from white belly by dark brown breast band; brown flanks; bold tricoloured underpart pattern; one of Europe's largest swifts with distinctive white …
About These Birds
Silver-backed Needletail
A large needletail swift (19-20 cm) found in hill and montane forests from India through Southeast Asia. Dark plumage with a silver-grey back and white throat. Spine-tipped tail. Aerial insectivore with powerful, rapid flight. Resident and partial migrant.
Alpine Swift
A large swift (20-22 cm, wingspan 54-60 cm) with a white belly and throat contrasting with dark brown upperparts. Found from southern Europe and Africa to Central Asia. Aerial insectivore, foraging at great heights. Nests on cliff faces in large colonies. Powerful, fast flier.