Seychelles Swiftlet
Aerodramus elaphrus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-elaphrus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) endemic to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Dark grey-brown plumage with a pale rump. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forest and coastal areas. Colonial cave nester. Population under 10,000 individuals. Classified as Vulnerable.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 22.6 cm | 8.9 in |
| Weight | 11.266666666666666 g | 0.40 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark brownish-grey upperparts with slight gloss; pale grey-buff rump band; underparts whitish-grey; forked tail; Seychelles endemic and vulnerable due to restricted range; slightly larger and less glossy than sympatric swiftlet relatives.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Seychelles Islands in the western Indian Ocean. Resident on the main granitic islands including Mahé. Nests in sea caves.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds aerially on tiny flying insects and drifting spiders; often forages in mixed-species flocks over forest.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 25-30 days. Fledging: 42 days.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Rapid twittering; thin 'tsit-tsit' over Seychelles islands; audible echolocation clicks in caves; endangered endemic; calls weakly in small flocks over forest and coast
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus elaphrus |
Distribution
Seychelles Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Seychelles Swiftlet eat?
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Is the Seychelles Swiftlet endangered?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family