Aerodramus terraereginae
The Australian Swiftlet (*Aerodramus terraereginae*) is a small, streamlined aerial insectivore endemic to northeastern Queensland, Australia. Measuring approximately 11-13 cm in length with a wingspan around 25-28 cm, its plumage is a uniform sooty dark brown, slightly paler on the underparts, giving it a somewhat drab yet elegant appearance. Its long, narrow, pointed wings and short, often appearing square-ended tail are classic swift features, allowing for incredible agility in flight. A k...
Primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and coastal areas, ranging from sea level to approximately 1000 meters in elevation. Crucially, it relies on limestone cave systems for communal roosting and breeding.
Feeds exclusively on small flying insects, including beetles, flies, moths, ants, and termites, which are captured on the wing during continuous aerial foraging.
Australian Swiftlets are highly active diurnal birds, spending nearly their entire day in continuous flight, only alighting to roost or nest within caves. They are obligate aerial insectivores, foraging in large, dynamic flocks, expertly hawking for flying insects on the wing. Within their cave c...
The Australian Swiftlet is endemic to northeastern Queensland, Australia, primarily inhabiting the coastal lowlands and adjacent hinterland. Its distribution extends from approximately Townsville northwards to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula. This species is largely resident throughout its ran...
Least Concern
- The Australian Swiftlet is one of only a handful of bird species in the world known to use echolocation, emitting audible clicks to navigate in dark caves. - Their nests are primarily constructed from hardened saliva, often mixed with small amounts of moss or fern, and are cemented to vertical ...