Himalayan Swiftlet
NameHimalayan Swiftlet
Common NameHimalayan Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus brevirostris
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsSooty brown to dark grey-brown upperparts, with slightly paler grey-brown underparts. The throat and belly are typically lighter, and some individuals or subspecies may show a distinct pale greyish-white rump. It has long, narrow, pointed wings and a slightly forked tail.
Vocalization / CallEmits high-pitched chattering calls while in flight and uses echolocation clicks, especially when navigating dark roosting caves.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, breeding from northern India east through Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China. It often migrates to lower altitudes or more southerly regions during winter.
Identifying Featuresdark streamlined body, long pointed wings, rapid agile flight, slightly forked tail, pale rump (variable)
Description
This medium-sized swift is highly aerial, spending most of its life in flight foraging for insects. It has a streamlined body with long, pointed wings adapted for rapid, agile flight.
