Collocalia dodgei
The Bornean Swiftlet, `Collocalia dodgei`, is an enigmatic aerial insectivore, primarily recognized as a subspecies of the widespread Glossy Swiftlet (`Collocalia esculenta cyanoptila`) or sometimes associated with the Cave Swiftlet (`Collocalia linchi`). This small swiftlet measures about 9-11 cm in length with a slender, streamlined body and long, narrow, scythe-like wings spanning 20-25 cm, adapted for continuous flight. Its plumage is a striking iridescent dark blue-black on the upperpart...
Predominantly found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland and montane forests, secondary growth, and disturbed areas, relying on limestone caves and rock shelters for communal roosting and breeding.
An obligate aerial insectivore, the Bornean Swiftlet feeds exclusively on small flying insects such as ants, beetles, flies, and moths, which it captures during continuous flight.
Bornean Swiftlets are highly aerial and diurnal, spending nearly all daylight hours foraging on the wing, only returning to their cave roosts at dusk. They exhibit a characteristic hawking flight, capturing small insects directly from the air with acrobatic maneuvers, often in large, dynamic floc...
The Bornean Swiftlet, referring specifically to the subspecies `Collocalia esculenta cyanoptila`, is endemic to the island of Borneo. Its geographic distribution spans across all political divisions of Borneo, including the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, and the Indonesian provinc...
Least Concern
- The Bornean Swiftlet is one of the few bird species capable of echolocation, using high-frequency clicks to 'see' in the complete darkness of its cave roosts and nesting sites. - Its nests are ingenious structures, largely made from the bird's own solidified saliva, acting as a natural cement t...