Aerodramus infuscatus
The Moluccan Swiftlet, *Aerodramus infuscatus*, is a small, highly aerial bird native to the eastern Indonesian archipelago. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length with a wingspan of around 30 cm and weighing 10-18 grams, it sports a uniformly sooty-brown to blackish plumage, often appearing slightly paler on the throat and vent, lacking the prominent pale rump found in some swiftlet relatives. Its long, pointed wings and shallowly forked tail are characteristic of its genus. Taxonomicall...
Found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland and montane forests, from sea level up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher. Requires caves for nesting and roosting.
Exclusively an aerial insectivore, consuming a wide range of small flying insects such as beetles, flies, moths, ants, and termites, all captured in flight.
This swiftlet exhibits a truly aerial existence, spending nearly its entire day in continuous flight, only alighting within dark caves to roost and nest. Foraging is conducted high above the forest canopy or over open water, capturing insects on the wing with remarkable agility. Within caves, the...
The Moluccan Swiftlet is resident and endemic to the Moluccas archipelago in eastern Indonesia, and its range may extend slightly to the Talaud Islands. Its distribution encompasses numerous islands within this region, including Halmahera, Ternate, Tidore, Morotai, Bacan, Obi, Buru, Seram, Ambon,...
Least Concern
- One of the rare bird species globally capable of echolocation (bio-sonar) to navigate in complete darkness within its cave habitats. - Their rapid, high-frequency clicks are not just for navigation but also serve as a form of communication within the dark colonies. - Nests are architectural mar...