Seychelles Swiftlet
NameSeychelles Swiftlet
Common NameSeychelles Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus elaphrus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsOverall dark greyish-brown plumage, slightly paler on the underparts. It has long, narrow, pointed wings and a short, slightly forked tail.
Vocalization / CallEmits high-pitched chirps, twitters, and clicking sounds, particularly when navigating in caves using echolocation.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the granitic islands of the Seychelles, primarily found on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark greyish-brown plumage, Long, pointed wings, Rapid, agile flight, Echolocation ability, Endemic to Seychelles
Description
The Seychelles Swiftlet is a small, dark swift endemic to the Seychelles islands. It is an aerial insectivore, spending most of its life in flight, and is known for its ability to use echolocation to navigate dark caves where it roosts and nests.
