London - The white-throated needletail is known as the Stormbird in Australia as it is often seen during storms and bushfires
Hitting speeds of up to 106mph (about 170kmph), it is the fastest bird in flight. (The peregrine falcon can reach 200mph but is assisted by gravity in its dives or “stoops”)
Swifts reach their highest speeds during mating displays known as “screaming parties” in which they show off to potential partners and emit loud squawks during dramatic vertical climbs.
Copulation is said to take place in mid-air at high speed.
While not mating, its call is “chitter chitter chitter”.
It feeds on flying insects, such as termites, beetles and flies. They catch the insects in flight in their wide gaping beaks
During freezing weather they enter a coma-like state fior several days at a time to conserve energy.
It nests in trees but spends most time in the air. - Daily Mail