Palau Swiftlet
NamePalau Swiftlet
Common NamePalau Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus pelewensis
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly dark sooty-brown to blackish, appearing slightly paler on the underparts. It has long, pointed wings and a shallowly forked tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched chirps, trills, and clicking sounds, which are also used for echolocation, particularly when navigating in dark caves.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the islands of Palau in Micronesia.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty-brown plumage, Fast, agile flight, Shallowly forked tail, Endemic to Palau, Typical swiftlet body shape
Description
The Palau Swiftlet is a small, agile aerial bird endemic to the Palau islands. It is characterized by its fast, erratic flight as it forages for insects high in the sky. This species often nests in caves and uses echolocation to navigate in dark environments.
