Ridgetop Swiftlet
NameRidgetop Swiftlet
Common NameRidgetop Swiftlet
Scientific NameCollocalia isonota
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)23
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsThis swiftlet has dark brownish-grey upperparts and paler, mottled underparts, particularly on the belly and flanks, which appear speckled. Its wings are long and pointed, and its tail is short and slightly forked.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of high-pitched chirps, trills, and clicking sounds used for echolocation, especially when navigating dark environments like caves.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Philippines, primarily found in the mountainous regions of Luzon and Mindanao.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark upperparts, pale mottled underparts, long pointed wings, short tail, aerial foraging behavior
Description
The Ridgetop Swiftlet is a small, aerial bird characterized by its swift, agile flight. It spends most of its life in the air, foraging for insects over forested mountain slopes. This species is known for its ability to navigate dark caves using echolocation.
