Fork-tailed Swift

Apus pacificus is a long-distance Asian migrant recorded as a vagrant in New Zealand. It differs from white-throated needletail through its slimmer body, deeply forked tail and narrower white rump band. It is dark brown with long swept wings, a white throat and a white rump. The tail fork may close and look pointed during rapid flight.

New Zealand records are rare and scattered, sometimes accompanying needletails. The species breeds across Asia and winters through Southeast Asia and Australasia. It takes small insects entirely in flight and rarely lands except at nest sites. Loose flocks may feed high or descend ahead of poor weather.

The New Zealand classification is Vagrant. No reliable site exists; vagrant arrivals are most likely detected over wetlands or coastal headlands.