Hemiprocne mystacea
The Moustached Treeswift (*Hemiprocne mystacea*) is a striking and elegant member of the small Hemiprocnidae family, distinct from true swifts by their unique tree-perching habits and visible crests. This relatively large treeswift measures an impressive 28-30 cm in length, with a wingspan estimated around 50-60 cm, and weighs between 70-100 grams. Its plumage is a shimmering iridescent dark blue-green on the upperparts, contrasting with clean white underparts and a distinctive long, deeply f...
Primarily found in primary and secondary lowland rainforests, forest edges, and clearings, often near water sources. It inhabits elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters, preferring tall emergent trees for perching and nesting.
Strictly insectivorous, primarily consuming a wide array of flying insects such as beetles, bees, wasps, ants, flies, and moths. They forage exclusively by aerial hawking, capturing prey on the wing high above the forest canopy.
Moustached Treeswifts are predominantly diurnal, spending much of their day hawking for insects high above the forest canopy, often from exposed perches on dead branches or emergent trees. Their foraging technique involves rapid, agile aerial pursuits, punctuated by spectacular turns and dives to...
The Moustached Treeswift boasts a wide but somewhat fragmented distribution across Southeast Asia and Melanesia. Its primary range encompasses the island of New Guinea, where it is widespread, extending to the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. It is also found in several Indonesian is...
Least Concern
- The Moustached Treeswift's nest is one of the most astonishing in the bird world: a tiny, shallow cup, often just 2-3 cm across, cemented onto the side of a thin, exposed branch. - Parents incubate their single egg by balancing on the branch *next to* the nest, with the egg (and later chick) of...