Australian Swiftlet

Aerodramus terraereginae

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernEndemicInvertebratesGrasslandCup nestTiny · 12 g

ID tip

It is 11–12 centimetres (4.3–4.7 in) long with a wing length of 107–118.2 millimetres (4.21–4.65 in) and a weight of 10.5–12.5 grams (0.37–0.44 oz). The upperparts are dark grey-brown while the underparts are a uniform greyish. There are pale feathers on the forehead and lores. The rump is normally pale greyish but can occasionally be darker. The tail is slightly forked. The form chillagoensis is smaller and paler with a weight of around 9.39 grams (0.33 oz). It has a high-pitched flight call. In its breeding caves, it utters a metallic clicking call, used for echolocation.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Australian Swiftlet

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Australian Swiftlet

Regular range

The map shades 1 country with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

About the Australian Swiftlet

The Australian swiftlet is a small bird belonging to the genus Aerodramus in the swift family, Apodidae. It is endemic to Queensland in north-eastern Australia. It was formerly included in the white-rumped swiftlet but is now commonly treated as a separate species. It has two subspecies which are occasionally regarded as two separate species: A. t. terraereginae and A. t. chillagoensis.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Australian Swiftlet vs Edible-nest Swiftlet · Australian Swiftlet vs Himalayan Swiftlet · Australian Swiftlet vs Uniform Swiftlet

Learn the Australian Swiftlet in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.