Mariana Swiftlet
Aerodramus bartschi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-bartschi"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) endemic to the Mariana Islands of the western Pacific (Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian). Dark brown plumage. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester using echolocation. Population severely declined on Guam due to the brown tree snake.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 17.7 cm | 7.0 in |
| Weight | 7.25 g | 0.26 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; dark brownish-black upperparts; pale grey-buff rump band; underparts pale whitish-grey; forked tail; Mariana Islands endemic and vulnerable; very small for the genus with concolorous brownish tone and subdued rump contrast.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Mariana Islands (Guam, Saipan, and adjacent islands). Resident in forested areas; nests in limestone caves. Endangered on Guam.
Diet & Feeding
Entirely airborne insectivore; feeds on minute flying insects and web-dispersing spiders over open habitats.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Very high, thin twittering; tiny and high-pitched; 'tsit-tsit' over Guam and Saipan; audible echolocation clicks in cave roosts; endangered; vocal mainly near nesting caves
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus bartschi |
Distribution
Mariana Swiftlet has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mariana Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Mariana Swiftlet live?
Is the Mariana Swiftlet endangered?
How does the Mariana Swiftlet nest?
What does the Mariana Swiftlet sound like?
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What order and family does the Mariana Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family