Purple Needletail
Hirundapus celebensis
A huge swift of lowlands and mountains, one of the fastest-flying birds in the world. Mainly black with a purplish-blue gloss, an obvious white triangle under the base of the tail, and two pale marks at angles to each other in the center of each wing. Square tail has spines that are difficult to see; tail is sometimes held closed into a point. Distinguished from other swifts in its range by much larger size and by the white under the base of the tail. Voice unknown.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Hirundapus celebensis
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL, 1866)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Hirundapus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Falkland Steamer-Duck
Tachyeres brachypterus
A large and flightless, grayish, heavy-set duck. Adult males have a bright orange bill; in females and juveniles, the bill is olive-green. Very similar to Flying Steamer-duck, and not easily identified; look for shorter, stunted wings and tail and thicker neck and bill. Found along the coast, where it favors small rocky islands, as well as sheltered inlets and bays. Also inhabits coastal ponds, but doesn’t venture farther inland, unlike Flying Steamer-Duck.
Sulphur-bellied Warbler
Phylloscopus griseolus
Brown-and-yellow leaf warbler without a wingbar. Breeds in stony, bushy, semi-arid slopes in mountain ranges flanking the Tibetan Plateau. Winters primarily in rocky scrub almost throughout the Indian peninsula. Resembles Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, but has a browner cheek and dirtier underparts, and often has a bright yellow eyebrow that contrasts with a dull brownish-yellow throat. Very partial to the ground, unlike Tickell’s, and often seen creeping on rocks, walls, or tree trunks like a nuthatch.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Poecile rufescens
Rather dark, richly-colored chickadee of the Pacific Northwest. Small, big-headed, and tiny-billed, much like other chickadees, but reddish-brown back and brownish sides are unique. Prefers humid forests, often with dense conifers and oaks; also sometimes in shrubs in suburban areas. Often in flocks, sometimes mixed with other small songbirds. Visits feeders.
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