The sexes are identically plumaged, and juveniles differ from the adults only in that the feathers show pale fringes, particularly on the wings .
At a glance
Sounds
Range map
Range map
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