Aerodramus francicus
The Mascarene Swiftlet (Aerodramus francicus) is a small, enigmatic aerial insectivore strictly endemic to the volcanic Mascarene Islands in the western Indian Ocean. Averaging 10-12 cm in length with a wingspan of 25-30 cm and weighing around 8-12 grams, this species exhibits a uniformly sooty-brown plumage, often appearing blackish in flight, with slightly paler underparts that can be difficult to discern. Its long, narrow, pointed wings and short, square tail are characteristic swift featu...
Primarily inhabiting forested areas from coastal lowlands to montane elevations, the Mascarene Swiftlet is critically dependent on deep, dark caves, lava tubes, and cliff crevices for roosting and breeding.
The Mascarene Swiftlet is an obligate aerial insectivore, feeding exclusively on a wide variety of small flying insects, including beetles, moths, flies, and ants, captured in continuous flight.
A highly social and diurnal species, the Mascarene Swiftlet spends its days almost continuously on the wing, foraging in large, dynamic flocks, and retreating to communal cave roosts at night. Its foraging strategy involves agile aerial hawking, capturing flying insects in mid-air over open fores...
The Mascarene Swiftlet is strictly endemic to the Mascarene Archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, with distinct resident populations found on the islands of Réunion, Mauritius, and Rodrigues. On Réunion, they are widespread, occurring from sea level to the high montane forests of the interior,...
Least Concern
- The Mascarene Swiftlet is one of only a handful of bird species in the world, and the only one in the Indian Ocean, capable of echolocation, navigating perfectly in absolute darkness. - Its nests are largely constructed from hardened saliva, providing a strong, durable structure glued to cave w...