About the Volcano Swiftlet
The volcano swiftlet is a species of bird in the Apodidae family, formerly considered conspecific with the Himalayan swiftlet .The volcano swiftlet is commonly measured at 13–14 centimetres (5.1–5.5 in) long and characterized as dark gray with an unmissable brown rump band, whereas younger individuals show a less defined band. They can be easily heard because of the unique "Teeree teereeeee teeereeeee" clicking sound they make. Nothing is known about the diet of this bird. Many species of Aerodramus swiftlets nest colonially in caves, which leads them to use echolocation to navigate through the dark environments like caves and crevices, as well as during the twilight hours. While the…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The main distinguishing characteristics of the volcano swiftlet are its tail fork and black wings that appear glossed with a purple shimmer. One of the defining differences between males and females is the condition of the tarsus. The male swiftlet has a bare tarsus while the female has a feathered tarsus. Both sexes however share the distinctive feature of having white rami (the branching structures extending from the feather shaft giving the feather their texture and aiding in flight). As for the young volcano swiftlets, they have a less defined rump band and fewer feathers in the tarsus.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Volcano Swiftlet lives
When to see the Volcano Swiftlet
Peak activity in August · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Polynesian SwiftletAerodramus leucophaeusAerodramus leucophaeus is closely related to the species of the A. Sawtelli.
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 Volcano Swiftlet in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery 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.