Aerodramus amelis
The Ameline Swiftlet (Aerodramus amelis) is a fascinating medium-sized aerial insectivore, typically measuring 12-14 cm in length with a wingspan of 28-32 cm. Its plumage is a drab but effective camouflage, characterized by a sooty brown coloration across its upperparts and a slightly paler, greyish-brown on its underparts. Distinctive field marks include a subtle, often difficult-to-discern pale throat patch, and long, narrow, scythe-like wings that give it incredible agility in flight. The ...
Primarily inhabits limestone karsts, mature evergreen rainforests, and coastal cliffs, generally found from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
Feeds exclusively on a wide variety of small flying insects, including beetles, ants, termites, and flies, caught on the wing during continuous aerial foraging.
Ameline Swiftlets are highly diurnal, spending nearly their entire day on the wing, foraging for insects. They are obligate cave-roosters, utilizing dark limestone caverns for both nightly rest and breeding. Foraging is a continuous aerial pursuit of insects, often in large, dynamic flocks over f...
The Ameline Swiftlet is considered resident and endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands and parts of the Wallacea region in Southeast Asia. Its primary breeding range encompasses islands such as Flores, Sumba, Timor, Alor, and potentially extends to Sulawesi and the southern Moluccas. They do not und...
Least Concern
- The Ameline Swiftlet can navigate in complete darkness using echolocation, emitting audible clicks that allow it to 'see' its environment. - Its nests are largely constructed from hardened saliva, an astonishing feat of avian architecture. - These swiftlets spend an incredible amount of time ai...