Tahiti Swiftlet
NameTahiti Swiftlet
Common NameTahiti Swiftlet
Scientific NameAerodramus leucophaeus
FamilyApodidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsOverall dark sooty-brown plumage, appearing slightly paler on the underparts and throat. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is slightly forked.
Vocalization / CallProduces high-pitched chirps and chattering calls, often used for echolocation within dark caves and during flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the islands of Tahiti and Moorea in the Society Islands, French Polynesia.
Identifying FeaturesLong, narrow, swept-back wings, Dark sooty-brown plumage, Small size, Rapid, agile flight, Often seen near caves or cliffs
Description
The Tahiti Swiftlet is a small, aerial bird characterized by its long, narrow, swept-back wings, perfectly adapted for continuous flight. It exhibits a dark, sooty-brown plumage, often appearing paler on the underparts. This species is endemic to the Society Islands, where it forages for insects and roosts in caves.
