Polynesian Swiftlet
Aerodramus leucophaeus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-leucophaeus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) found across French Polynesia, including the Society, Marquesas, and Austral Islands. Dark grey plumage with whitish underparts. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Population fragmented across widely scattered Pacific islands.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 23.7 cm | 9.3 in |
| Weight | 13.4 g | 0.47 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark brown-grey upperparts with minimal gloss; pale grey rump band; underparts whitish-grey; forked tail; East Polynesian endemic from Society Islands; slightly more uniformly dark than some Pacific congeners.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found across French Polynesia including the Society Islands, Marquesas, and Tuamotu. Resident in forest and open areas; nests in sea caves.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore catching tiny flying insects, midges, and airborne spiders in fast low-altitude flight near caves.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
High twittering; thin 'chip-chip' over French Polynesian islands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; light-colored underparts distinguish it visually; calls unremarkable
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus leucophaeus |
Distribution
Polynesian Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Polynesian Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Polynesian Swiftlet live?
Is the Polynesian Swiftlet endangered?
What does the Polynesian Swiftlet sound like?
How big is the Polynesian Swiftlet?
What order and family does the Polynesian Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family