Western Glossy Swiftlet
Collocalia affinis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="collocalia-affinis"></birdfyi-bird>The Western Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia affinis) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a weight of 8.7 g.
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About
A small swiftlet (9-10 cm) found in lowland and hill forests of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Glossy blue-black upperparts with a paler rump. Aerial insectivore, feeding on tiny flying insects. Colonial nester in caves and buildings.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.65 g | 0.31 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; glossy blue-black upperparts with green iridescence; underparts dark sooty-grey; white-buff rump band; deeply forked tail; recently split taxon similar to Philippine Glossy Swiftlet but with subtly different rump and gloss tone.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from the Andaman Islands and northeastern India through Southeast Asia to Borneo and the Philippines. Resident in diverse forest habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore consuming minute dipterans, midges, and ballooning spiders caught in continuous fast flight.
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 20-28 days. Fledging: 35-58 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Sound
Song
High, thin 'tsit-tsit'; rapid chittering in flight; echolocation clicks used inside caves; tiny size produces very high-pitched thin calls; soft twittering over forest
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Collocalia |
| Species | Collocalia affinis |
Distribution
Western Glossy Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Western Glossy Swiftlet eat?
Where does the Western Glossy Swiftlet live?
How does the Western Glossy Swiftlet nest?
What does the Western Glossy Swiftlet sound like?
How big is the Western Glossy Swiftlet?
What order and family does the Western Glossy Swiftlet belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family