Philippine Swiftlet
Aerodramus mearnsi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-mearnsi"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) endemic to the Philippines. Dark plumage with a pale rump. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Uses echolocation for navigating dark cave interiors. Found across the major Philippine island groups. Poorly studied ecology.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 21.8 cm | 8.6 in |
| Weight | 11.5 g | 0.41 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark grey-brown upperparts with faint gloss; pale grey rump band; underparts greyish-white; moderately forked tail; Philippine endemic using echolocation; echolocation ability distinguishes Aerodramus from Collocalia swiftlets.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Philippines, found on Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, and adjacent islands. Resident in lowland and hill forest and open areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial feeder on microscopic flying insects and spiders; highly social forager over tropical forest.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SA.
Clutch Size
4
Sound
Song
High twittering trill; thin 'tsit-tsit' notes over Philippine mountains; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; calls softly; flock produces chattering at roost; unremarkable vocalizations
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus mearnsi |
Distribution
Philippine Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Philippine Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Philippine Swiftlet live?
Is the Philippine Swiftlet endangered?
How does the Philippine Swiftlet nest?
What does the Philippine Swiftlet sound like?
How big is the Philippine Swiftlet?
What order and family does the Philippine Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family