Silver-backed Needletail vs Alpine Swift

Hirundapus cochinchinensis comparado con Tachymarptis melba

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Atributo Silver-backed Needletail Alpine Swift
Nombre científico Hirundapus cochinchinensis Tachymarptis melba
Orden Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgiformes
Familia Apodidae Apodidae
Estado de conservación Least Concern Least Concern
Longitud
Envergadura 36,6 cm (14.4 in) 43,9 cm (17.3 in)
Peso 85,97999999999999 g (3.03 oz) 97,5 g (3.44 oz)
Dieta 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 …
Tamaño de la puesta -- 1-4
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Hábitats compartidos

Ninguno

Silver-backed Needletail only

Alpine Swift only

Ninguno

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Song & Call Comparison

Silver-backed Needletail

Canto

Dry, rattling trill with softer ending; rapid series of clipped notes dropping slightly in pitch as the bird gains speed.

Alpine Swift

Canto

Rapid series of short, clipped whistles; bright, clean notes delivered in quick succession with occasional doubled phrase.

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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.

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Estado de conservación

Least Concern

Silver-backed Needletail

Least Concern

Alpine Swift

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How to Tell Them Apart

Silver-backed Needletail

Plumaje

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

Plumaje

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 …

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About These Birds

Silver-backed Needletail

El vencejo de aguja de garganta plateada es un vencejo mediano del sur y sudeste asiático. Tiene plumaje oscuro con la garganta blanca característica. Captura insectos al vuelo sobre los doseles forestales. Habita en bosques y bordes de bosque. Migra entre los sitios de cría y de invernada. Como otros vencejos, pasa la mayor parte de su vida en vuelo.

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.

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