Collocalia esculenta
The Glossy Swiftlet, *Collocalia esculenta*, is a diminutive and highly agile aerial insectivore, distinguished by its vibrant, glossy blue-black upperparts that contrast sharply with its bright white belly, a unique field mark among many swiftlet species in its range. Measuring approximately 9-11 cm in length with a wingspan of 20-22 cm and weighing 8-12 grams, it is one of the smallest swiftlets. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Apodidae, closely related to other swiftlets (genus *Co...
Found in tropical lowlands, preferring open country, forest edges, coastal areas, and human settlements, often near caves, rock faces, or structures suitable for nesting. Primarily occurs from sea level up to mid-elevations of 1,500 meters.
Feeds exclusively on small flying insects, including beetles, flies, ants, termites, moths, and wasps, all caught in continuous aerial pursuit.
Glossy Swiftlets are highly social and diurnal, exhibiting constant activity from dawn to dusk, often in large, dynamic flocks. They are expert aerial insectivores, capturing small flying invertebrates on the wing with incredibly agile and rapid flight maneuvers. While foraging territories are no...
The Glossy Swiftlet boasts an extensive geographic distribution across Southeast Asia and Oceania, where it is a year-round resident. Its breeding range stretches from the Andaman Islands and the Malay Peninsula, extending eastward throughout the Indonesian archipelago including Sumatra, Java, Bo...
Least Concern
- The Glossy Swiftlet is one of the smallest swiftlet species found across its extensive range. - It is one of the few swiftlets with a distinctly white belly, making it relatively easy to identify among its darker relatives. - Unlike several other swiftlet species, the Glossy Swiftlet does not r...