Satin Swiftlet
Collocalia uropygialis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="collocalia-uropygialis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small swiftlet (9-10 cm) found in the Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Islands. Dark upperparts with a satiny sheen and pale underparts. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Recently split from Glossy Swiftlet based on genetic and vocal differences.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.4 g | 0.19 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; blackish upperparts with satiny blue-green gloss; white rump band; underparts dark sooty-grey; forked tail; Oceanian swiftlet with satin-like sheen on upperparts distinguishing it from duller relatives in the region.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the Moluccas and southwestern Pacific including New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Resident in lowland forest, forest edge, and open areas.
Diet & Feeding
Aerial insectivore catching tiny flying insects, midges, and airborne spiders in fast low-altitude flight near caves.
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 19-24 days. Fledging: 28-50 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Very thin, high twittering; rapid 'chip' notes over Bismarck Archipelago islands; echolocation clicks inside cave roosts; tiny; call barely distinguishable from other small swiftlets
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Apodidae (Swifts) |
| Genus | Collocalia |
| Species | Collocalia uropygialis |
Distribution
Satin Swiftlet has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Apodidae family