Where was the white-throated needletail bird spotted in England?

The rare white-throated needletail was spotted at Tophill Low nature reserve in East Yorkshire, England.

How rare is a white-throated needletail sighting in the UK?

It is exceptionally rare; the sighting at Tophill Low is the first confirmed in England since 1991.

Why did so many people go to Tophill Low nature reserve?

Dozens of people rushed to Tophill Low nature reserve because of the highly unusual sighting of a white-throated needletail.

Home / Environment / Rare Asian Swift Astonishes East Yorkshire Birdwatchers

Rare Asian Swift Astonishes East Yorkshire Birdwatchers

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A rare white-throated needletail was sighted in East Yorkshire.
This marks the first confirmed sighting in England since 1991.
Dozens of birdwatchers flocked to the reserve within an hour.

Rare Asian Swift Astonishes East Yorkshire Birdwatchers

An extraordinary avian visitor has captured the attention of bird enthusiasts in East Yorkshire. A white-throated needletail, a species native to eastern Asia and Australia, has made a confirmed appearance at Tophill Low nature reserve. This marks a significant ornithological event, as it is the first documented sighting of this particular swift in England for over three decades, with the last confirmed record dating back to 1991.

The bird's unique physical characteristics, described as having long, saber-shaped wings and a bullet-shaped body, initially led to some uncertainty among the reserve visitors who first spotted it. Upon closer examination and consultation with experts, the rarity of the sighting was confirmed. News of the white-throated needletail's presence quickly disseminated through social media channels.

The rapid spread of information resulted in an immediate surge of interest. Within an hour of the news breaking, approximately 50 people arrived at the Tophill Low nature reserve, eager to witness this exceptionally rare visitor. The event highlights the excitement generated by unusual wildlife occurrences and the swift communication facilitated by modern technology among nature enthusiasts.