Mascarene Swiftlet
Aerodramus francicus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-francicus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) endemic to Mauritius and Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. Dark brown plumage. Aerial insectivore, foraging over forest and agricultural areas. Colonial cave nester using echolocation for navigation. Population stable but geographically restricted.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 21.8 cm | 8.6 in |
| Weight | 10.419999999999998 g | 0.37 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark blackish-brown upperparts with slight greenish gloss; pale buff-grey rump band; pale grey-white underparts; forked tail; Mascarene Island endemic of Réunion and Mauritius with slightly dusky-toned underparts.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Mascarene Islands of Réunion and Mauritius in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Nests in sea caves and rock crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore consuming minute dipterans, midges, and ballooning spiders caught in continuous fast flight.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 21-23 days. Fledging: 45-55 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Thin, rapid chittering; soft 'tsit' notes over Reunion and Mauritius; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; endemic island species; calls weakly; colonial roosting produces faint noise
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus francicus |
Distribution
Mascarene Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family