/
A large dark swift with origami-like angularity in flight profile.
Not listed
Indigenous: Biirruun
At a glance
FamilySwifts
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatOpen sky above wetlands, paddocks, towns, rivers, and edges with active aerial insect movement.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from December to February.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Manuel Oudard
Range map
Range map
2378visible hotspots
12805visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Black overall with a slightly paler throat and a bright white rump patch. Long forked tail is prominent in flight and is often opened while the bird is banking. The only large “fork-tailed swift” in its range, but compare with Cook's, Blyth's, and Salim Ali's Swifts where ranges overlap.
Behavior
Migrates in enormous flocks, which give sharp trilling calls in flight.
Gallery