Collocalia uropygialis
The Satin Swiftlet (Collocalia uropygialis) is a small, agile aerial insectivore, typically measuring 9-11 cm in length with a wingspan of 20-25 cm and weighing 5-10 grams. Its plumage is characterized by glossy dark blue-black upperparts, often shimmering with a satin-like sheen, contrasting with paler greyish underparts. A key field mark for identification is a distinct pale grey or white rump band, though its prominence can vary. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Apodidae family, closely re...
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, often near caves or coastal cliffs, from lowlands up to 2,000 meters elevation.
Strictly insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small flying insects such as moths, beetles, flies, ants, and termites, caught deftly in mid-air.
Satin Swiftlets are highly aerial and diurnal, spending the majority of their waking hours in continuous flight, foraging for insects. At night, they roost communally in large, often dark caves, navigating their subterranean environments with remarkable echolocation capabilities. Their foraging s...
The Satin Swiftlet (Collocalia uropygialis) boasts a widespread yet somewhat disjunct distribution across various island groups in Southeast Asia and Melanesia. Its primary breeding range extends throughout New Guinea, encompassing both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces, as well as th...
Least Concern
- The Satin Swiftlet is one of the few bird species known to use echolocation, similar to bats, to navigate in the absolute darkness of the caves where they roost and nest. - Their nests, made almost entirely of hardened saliva, are highly prized for "Bird's Nest Soup" in some cultures, though *C...