About the Polynesian Swiftlet
The Tahiti swiftlet or Polynesian swiftlet is a species of swift in the family Apodidae. While often compared to the Marquesan Swiftlet, this bird is often more pale faced. The subspecies is the Monotypic which means it does not include a subspecies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Aerodramus leucophaeus is closely related to the species of the A. Sawtelli. Characteristics include slightly short wings, forked tail, dark brown upperparts, and grey brown underparts. Birds' wings typically get shorter the closer they live to the equator, explaining why these swiflets are located closer to the Southern Island region. This is due to the fact that the bird's short wings are not equipped to travel far distances, causing the bird to remain in relatively restricted areas for most of its life. This bird is about 11 cm with a forked tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Volcano SwiftletAerodramus vulcanorumThe main distinguishing characteristics of the volcano swiftlet are its tail fork and black wings that appear glossed with a purple shimmer.
Atiu SwiftletAerodramus sawtelliThe Atiu swiftlet or Sawtell's Swiftlet is a species of bird in the swift family, endemic to Atiu in the Cook Islands.
Caroline SwiftletAerodramus inquietusThe Caroline swiftlet, also known as the island swiftlet, Micronesian swiftlet, or Caroline Islands swiftlet, is a species of swift in the family Apodidae.
Learn the Polynesian Swiftlet for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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