This Bird Can Cruise At 169kph For Hours
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: X/@aves_bird
The white-throated needletail (a type of swift) is the world's fastest bird in level flight, capable of cruising at around 169 km/h for hours.
Image: X/@aves_bird
This is because of its cigar-shape, high-flying nature, and feeding on aerial insects.
Image: X/@aves_bird
It spends almost its entire life airborne, catching insects mid-flight, and can even sleep in the air.
Image: X/@aves_bird
The bird is found in East Asia, nesting in rocky cliffs and forests, often utilising thermal currents.
Image: X/@nto_nen
It is a large, powerful swift with a cigar-shaped, grey-brown body, long pointed wings, and a short, square tail with stiff, spiky feather shafts.
Image: X/@nto_nen
Its key features are a clean white throat, forehead, and a distinctive U-shaped white patch on its flanks.
Image: X/@nto_nen
The bird is extremely powerful and fast, known for its acrobatic aerial maneuvers, often seen circling high in the sky.
Image: X/@nto_nen
Its powerful, less erratic flight distinguishes it from other swifts, and its spiky tail is a key feature.
Image: X/@nto_nen
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