Satin Swiftlet vs Alpine Swift
Collocalia uropygialis compared with Tachymarptis melba
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Satin Swiftlet | Alpine Swift |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Collocalia uropygialis | Tachymarptis melba |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Apodidae | Apodidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 43.9 cm (17.3 in) |
| Weight | 5.4 g (0.19 oz) | 97.5 g (3.44 oz) |
| Diet | Aerial insectivore catching tiny flying insects, midges, and airborne spiders in fast low-altitude flight near … | Aerial insectivore taking small flying insects and spiders; may forage at great heights following thermal … |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Satin Swiftlet
Very thin, high twittering; rapid 'chip' notes over Bismarck Archipelago islands; echolocation clicks inside cave roosts; tiny; call barely distinguishable from other small swiftlets
Alpine Swift
Rapid series of short, clipped whistles; bright, clean notes delivered in quick succession with occasional doubled phrase.
Geographic Range & Migration
Satin Swiftlet
Found in the Moluccas and southwestern Pacific including New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Resident in lowland forest, forest edge, and open areas.
Alpine Swift
Breeds from southern Europe and North Africa east through Central Asia and the Himalayas to India. Migratory; winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Conservation Status
Satin Swiftlet
Alpine Swift
How to Tell Them Apart
Satin Swiftlet
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.
Alpine Swift
Large; dark brown upperparts; white throat patch separated from white belly by dark brown breast band; brown flanks; bold tricoloured underpart pattern; one of Europe's largest swifts with distinctive white …
About These Birds
Satin Swiftlet
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.
Alpine Swift
A large swift (20-22 cm, wingspan 54-60 cm) with a white belly and throat contrasting with dark brown upperparts. Found from southern Europe and Africa to Central Asia. Aerial insectivore, foraging at great heights. Nests on cliff faces in large colonies. Powerful, fast flier.