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SWALLOWS and SWIFTS |
Family HirundinidaeBecause swallows and martins are aerial feeding insectivores of the open country, woodland or wetlands, most records are of birds flying over gardens. They can often be seen feeding over or near Canberra's lakes. They are well adapted for feeding on the wing, with porpoise-like shape, pointed bow-shaped wings and sleek body plumage to reduce drag. They are at least partially migratory, with more in the region in the warmer months. The Fairy Martin (18 records) and the White-backed Swallow (1) are recorded infrequently. Welcome Swallows, with long forked tails, can be distinguished from Tree Martins, which have square tails and a distinctive white rump.
Family ApodidaeThe White-throated Needletail and the Fork-tailed swift are the only species of swifts recorded in the survey. They are both almost entirely aerial and give spectacular displays of high-speed flying above any habitat, urban or rural. Swifts are most often seen in late summer, nearly always in flocks. They are typically associated with stormy weather when they feed on nuptial swarms of various insects. Both species are annual non-breeding summer migrants to Australia from Northern Asia. Overall, only 15 reports of Fork-tailed Swifts were reported from 14 survey sites and the average flock size was 10 birds.
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