Polynesian Swiftlet vs Alpine Swift
Aerodramus leucophaeus comparado com Tachymarptis melba
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Atributo | Polynesian Swiftlet | Alpine Swift |
|---|---|---|
| Nome científico | Aerodramus leucophaeus | Tachymarptis melba |
| Ordem | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Família | Apodidae | Apodidae |
| Estado de conservação | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Comprimento | — | — |
| Envergadura | 23,7 cm (9.3 in) | 43,9 cm (17.3 in) |
| Peso | 13,4 g (0.47 oz) | 97,5 g (3.44 oz) |
| Dieta | 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 … |
| Tamanho da postura | 2 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Polynesian Swiftlet
High twittering; thin 'chip-chip' over French Polynesian islands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; light-colored underparts distinguish it visually; calls unremarkable
Alpine Swift
Rapid series of short, clipped whistles; bright, clean notes delivered in quick succession with occasional doubled phrase.
Geographic Range & Migration
Polynesian Swiftlet
Found across French Polynesia including the Society Islands, Marquesas, and Tuamotu. Resident in forest and open areas; nests in sea caves.
Alpine Swift
Breeds from southern Europe and North Africa east through Central Asia and the Himalayas to India. Migratory; winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Estado de conservação
Polynesian Swiftlet
Alpine Swift
How to Tell Them Apart
Polynesian Swiftlet
Small; dark brown-grey upperparts with minimal gloss; pale grey rump band; underparts whitish-grey; forked tail; East Polynesian endemic from Society Islands; slightly more uniformly dark than some Pacific congeners.
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
Polynesian Swiftlet
A small swiftlet (10-11 cm) found across French Polynesia, including the Society, Marquesas, and Austral Islands. Dark grey plumage with whitish underparts. Aerial insectivore. Colonial cave nester. Population fragmented across widely scattered Pacific islands.
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.