Swifts (Apodidae)

Dark-rumped Swift (Apus acuticauda) - HBW 5, p. 455

French: Martinet de l’Assam German: Glanzrückensegler Spanish: Vencejo de los Khasi
Other common names: Khasi Hills/Dark-backed Swift

Taxonomy: C.[ypselus] acuticauda [sic] Jerdon, 1864, India (= Nepal?).
Forms superspecies with A. pacificus, of which in past occasionally considered a race. Population from Blue Mts, in Lushai Hills of S Assam, described as race rupchandi, but claimed differences in plumage do not hold good. It is also suggested that, if a series of specimens were available from Thailand, they might show that population to represent a separate form. Monotypic.

Distribution: Breeds with certainty around Cherrapunji and Lilancote, in Khasi Hills (NE India); also thought to breed in Lushai Hills, in Mizoram (extreme S Assam), where series of specimens collected in May. Recently recorded in Bhutan; may occur in Myanmar and (1 specimen) Nepal. In Thailand, to date only known by winter records from NW.