Scientific Name: Rhaphidura leucopygialis
Malay Name: Layang-layang Ekor Pendek Melayu
Chinese Name: 银腰针尾雨燕
Range:
Found from the Thai-Malay Peninsula to the Greater Sundas comprising Sumatra, Java and Borneo.
Taxonomy:
Monotypic
Size: 11 cm
Identification: Smaller than the other migratory Needletail species but still look robust with all blackish underparts, dark bluish gloss upperparts, prominent silvery-white lower back, rump and uppertail-coverts, short square-cut tail, very broad paddle-shaped wings and bare shafts (spines) extending from tail-tip. Juvenile has less glossy underparts.
Similar looking species: Brown-backed Needletail, Silver-backed Needletail, White-throated Needletail
Habitat: Broadleaved evergreen forest and clearings.
Behaviour/Ecology: Roosts in large tree hollows in the emergent canopy.
Local Status: Very rare non-breeding visitor
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Poyan and Changi.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
