Bare-legged Swiftlet
Aerodramus nuditarsus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-nuditarsus"></birdfyi-bird>The Bare-legged Swiftlet (Aerodramus nuditarsus) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 25 cm and a weight of 13.3 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) found in New Guinea, particularly in lowland and hill forests. Distinguished by its bare, featherless tarsi. Dark plumage. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Uses echolocation for cave navigation. Limited published ecological data.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 25.0 cm | 9.8 in |
| Weight | 13.3 g | 0.47 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark grey-brown upperparts; pale rump band; underparts whitish-grey; forked tail; bare unfeathered tarsi distinctive among swiftlets; New Guinea lowland cave-nesting species; bare legs visible at nest but rarely field-observable.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in lowland New Guinea and adjacent islands. Resident in lowland rainforest and forest edge. Little-known Papuan endemic.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate aerial insectivore; catches minute flies, beetles, and aerial spiders while foraging near cave roosts.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
High thin twittering; 'tsit-tsit' over New Guinea lowlands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; calls weakly in flight; colonial nester producing soft flock chattering
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus nuditarsus |
Distribution
Bare-legged Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bare-legged Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Bare-legged Swiftlet live?
Is the Bare-legged Swiftlet endangered?
What does the Bare-legged Swiftlet sound like?
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What order and family does the Bare-legged Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family