Whiskered Treeswift
NameWhiskered Treeswift
Common NameWhiskered Treeswift
Scientific NameHemiprocne comata
FamilyHemiprocnidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsAdults have glossy dark blue-green upperparts, a prominent white supercilium extending into a 'whisker' stripe, and a rufous patch below the eye (malar stripe). The throat is white, contrasting with brownish-grey underparts. It possesses a small, dark crest and a long, deeply forked tail.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, thin 'tseep' or 'swee-swee' calls, often uttered while in flight or from a high perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white supercilium and 'whisker' stripe, Rufous malar patch below the eye, Small, often spiky crest, Deeply forked tail, Aerial feeding behavior
Description
The Whiskered Treeswift is a small, slender aerial insectivore characterized by its distinctive facial markings and often spiky crest. It spends much of its time catching insects in flight but also perches prominently on exposed branches.
