Moustached Treeswift
Hemiprocne mystacea
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About
A medium-sized treeswift (25-30 cm) with a large, swept-back crest and a distinctive white streak from the eye. Found in forests and forest edges from the Moluccas through New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. Aerial insectivore, often seen perching on high bare branches. The largest treeswift.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 43.3 cm | 17.0 in |
| Weight | 70.16666666666667 g | 2.48 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large treeswift; dark blackish-grey upperparts with greenish gloss; bold white supercilium and long white postocular stripe forming moustache; chestnut ear coverts in male; white underparts; deeply forked long tail; Australasian species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from the Moluccas and New Guinea east through the Bismarcks and Solomons to Micronesia. Resident in forest edge and open areas.
Diet & Feeding
Sally-hunting aerial insectivore taking flies, beetles, and winged ants from an exposed tree perch; not continuously airborne.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SA.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Loud, screaming 'kreee-kreee'; powerful shrill calls from New Guinea forest edge; largest treeswift; calls from exposed high perch; alarm a rapid piercing scream
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Hemiprocnidae |
| Genus | Hemiprocne |
| Species | Hemiprocne mystacea |
Distribution
Moustached Treeswift has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Moustached Treeswift eat?
Where does the Moustached Treeswift live?
Is the Moustached Treeswift endangered?
How does the Moustached Treeswift nest?
What does the Moustached Treeswift sound like?
How big is the Moustached Treeswift?
What order and family does the Moustached Treeswift belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Hemiprocnidae family