Moustached Treeswift
NameMoustached Treeswift
Common NameMoustached Treeswift
Scientific NameHemiprocne mystacea
FamilyHemiprocnidae
Wingspan (cm)53
Length (cm)31.5
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark glossy blue-black upperparts, grey underparts, and a prominent white supercilium extending into a long white malar stripe, giving it a 'moustached' appearance. It has a dark crest and a deeply forked tail with white outer tail feathers. Females are similar to males.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, harsh, and often repeated 'chee-wee' or 'kree-kree-kree' calls, sometimes a series of shrill notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white supercilium and malar stripe ('moustache'), Dark crest, Deeply forked tail with white outer feathers, Large size for a treeswift, Often perches upright on exposed branches
Description
The Moustached Treeswift is a large, elegant treeswift known for its distinctive white facial markings and deeply forked tail. It is an aerial insectivore, often seen perching conspicuously on high, exposed branches before sallying out to catch insects in flight.
