Glossy Swiftlet
Collocalia esculenta
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<birdfyi-bird slug="collocalia-esculenta"></birdfyi-bird>The Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta) is a bird species in the family Apodidae (swifts), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 19.9 cm and a weight of 8.7 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small swiftlet (9-10 cm) widespread from the Malay Peninsula through Indonesia to the Pacific islands. Glossy blue-black upperparts with whitish or grey underparts. Aerial insectivore, foraging in flocks over forest and open country. Colonial nester in caves and under rock overhangs.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 19.9 cm | 7.8 in |
| Weight | 8.66 g | 0.31 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; brilliant blue-green glossy upperparts; contrasting white rump patch; white underparts; deeply forked tail; widespread Indo-Pacific species and one of the most colourful swiftlets with a striking tricolour of gloss, white rump, and white belly.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to New Guinea, Australia, and Pacific islands. One of the most widespread swiftlets.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on aerial plankton including tiny flies and spiders; forages in large noisy flocks above forest canopy.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: HC. Incubation: 19-24 days. Fledging: 28-50 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Rapid, high-pitched twittering; thin 'tsit-tsit-tsit' in flight; echolocation clicks audible in cave roosts; very common; calls over forest and open areas; colonial and noisy
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Collocalia |
| Species | Collocalia esculenta |
Distribution
Glossy Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family