canberrabirds

Spine tailed swifts

To: <>
Subject: Spine tailed swifts
From: "Sharon Rusk" <>
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 19:23:02 +1000
Hi!
 
Has any study been done regarding the S.T.Swifts. Since seeing these birds a couple of days ago a number of puzzling questions have arisen which I would appreciate answers if there is any available.
 
  The reason for their fantastic speed as it would seem to be a bit of overkill, unlike a raptor for instance, or is this to enable them, (A)  to travel vast distances in search of food (B) keep pace with the storm front (C) are they feeding when zooming around at the speed of sound or is this just searching for food.? (D)If they are feeding, is it only small midge like prey? as any larger would surely do harm at the speed they fly or do they have a protective throat membrane?. (E) are these birds feeding only when they are in the fluttering and swooping mode enabling them to take larger prey.   
 
Taking into account the large compact body accompanied by the huge wings, is this  the ariel version of the oceanic albatross ?,(which is rarely seen flying along just off-shore) the swifts normally feeding in the jet streams at high altitude and seldom at low level, unless conditions are suitable such as in storm fronts and such, making them easier to be spotted.
 
Cheers
Bob Rusk.
P.S. Could it be that evolution has turned the full cycle with a bit of miniaturisation here and a bit of expansion there thus making it entirely possible that Penquins can and indeed do fly!
<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
  • Spine tailed swifts, Sharon Rusk <=
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the Canberra Ornithologists Group mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the list contact David McDonald, list manager, phone (02) 6231 8904 or email . If you can not contact David McDonald e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU