Mountain Swiftlet
NameMountain Swiftlet
Common NameMountain Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus hirundinaceus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsThis swiftlet has dark sooty-brown upperparts and slightly paler grey-brown underparts, particularly on the throat and belly. Its wings are long, narrow, and dark, and its tail is moderately forked.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched chirps and characteristic echolocation clicks used for navigating in dark caves and at night.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is found throughout the mountainous regions.
Identifying Featuresdark sooty-brown plumage, paler throat and belly, long, pointed wings, moderately forked tail, rapid, agile flight
Description
The Mountain Swiftlet is a medium-sized swiftlet known for its agile, aerial flight. It spends most of its life foraging for insects high in the air over mountainous forests, often roosting and nesting in caves.
