Polynesian Swiftlet vs Alpine Swift

Aerodramus leucophaeus в сравнении с Tachymarptis melba

Side-by-Side Comparison

Характеристика Polynesian Swiftlet Alpine Swift
Научное название Aerodramus leucophaeus Tachymarptis melba
Отряд Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgiformes
Семейство Apodidae Apodidae
Охранный статус Least Concern Least Concern
Длина
Размах крыльев 23,7 cm (9.3 in) 43,9 cm (17.3 in)
Масса 13,4 g (0.47 oz) 97,5 g (3.44 oz)
Питание 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 …
Размер кладки 2 1-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Общие среды обитания

Нет

Polynesian Swiftlet only

Alpine Swift only

Нет

Song & Call Comparison

Polynesian Swiftlet

Пение

High twittering; thin 'chip-chip' over French Polynesian islands; echolocation clicks in cave roosts; light-colored underparts distinguish it visually; calls unremarkable

Alpine Swift

Пение

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.

Охранный статус

Least Concern

Polynesian Swiftlet

Least Concern

Alpine Swift

How to Tell Them Apart

Polynesian Swiftlet

Оперение

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

Оперение

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.

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