Whitehead's Swiftlet
Aerodramus whiteheadi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="aerodramus-whiteheadi"></birdfyi-bird>The Whitehead's Swiftlet (Aerodramus whiteheadi) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 27.2 cm and a weight of 14 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Data Deficient.
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About
A small swiftlet (11-12 cm) endemic to the mountains of northern Luzon, Philippines. Dark plumage with a pale rump. Aerial insectivore of montane forest canopy above 1,000 m. Colonial cave nester using echolocation. Named after John Whitehead. Poorly known.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 27.2 cm | 10.7 in |
| Weight | 14.0 g | 0.49 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Small; dark brownish-grey upperparts; pale buff-grey rump band; underparts pale grey-white; forked tail; Philippine endemic from Luzon; data-deficient species differing from Philippine Swiftlet mainly in habitat preference and island range.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the highlands of Borneo at 800–3,000 m. Resident in montane forest on Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial plankton feeder taking tiny midges, fungus gnats, and ballooning spiders in rapid coursing flights.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC.
Sound
Song
Thin twittering; 'chip-chip' calls over Borneo highlands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; data deficient; calls poorly documented from remote Bornean montane habitat
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | Aerodramus whiteheadi |
Distribution
Whitehead's Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Whitehead's Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Whitehead's Swiftlet live?
Is the Whitehead's Swiftlet endangered?
How does the Whitehead's Swiftlet nest?
What does the Whitehead's Swiftlet sound like?
How big is the Whitehead's Swiftlet?
What order and family does the Whitehead's Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family