ML645870316

Observation details

Needletail lacking a distinctly pale throat. Throat is a slightly paler shade of brown than the rest of the head and body, with a contrasting line visible below the eye. Tail dark and not square, appearing to taper towards the centre but some damage apparent. Prominent needles. White vent colouration extends forward along flanks to below trailing edge of wing. White vent marked with dark flecks and streaks. Pale loral markings weren’t observed in the field, nor are they visible in any images. Another needletail was seen flying with the bird pictured for a short time but the throat colouration was not observed on the second bird as it was flying away from us. BARC submission is being prepared suggesting this bird as silver-backed needletail. I will edit the record if the record is accepted.