Australian Swiftlet
Aerodramus terraereginae
Small plain grayish swiftlet with a pale rump and a slightly darker cap. Almost always seen in flight; note slender wings, very quick stiff wing beats. Possible confusion with Tree Martin, which is much paler below with a paler rump, plumper body, and shorter wings. Abundant in tropical north Queensland.
Identification
It is 11–12 centimetres (4.3–4.7 in) long with a wing length of 107–118.2 millimetres (4.21–4.65 in) and a weight of 10.5–12.5 grams (0.37–0.44 oz). The upperparts are dark grey-brown while the underparts are a uniform greyish. There are pale feathers on the forehead and lores. The rump is normally pale greyish but can occasionally be darker. The tail is slightly forked. The form chillagoensis is smaller and paler with a weight of around 9.39 grams (0.33 oz).<p>It has a high-pitched flight call. In its breeding caves, it utters a metallic clicking call, used for echolocation.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Aerodramus terraereginae
- Authority
- (Ramsay, EP, 1875)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Aerodramus
Range and habitat
A. t. terraereginae occurs in tropical north-east Queensland from the Claudie River on the Cape York Peninsula south as far as the Eungella Range near Mackay. It is mainly found near the coast including a number of offshore islands. It occurs up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea-level but is commonest below 500 metres (1,600 ft). A. t. chillagoensis is found further inland in the area around Chillagoe, west of the Great Dividing Range.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Breeding occurs from July to March. The species breeds in colonies which can contain hundreds of individuals. These are located in caves or sometimes amongst boulders. The nest is attached to the walls or ceiling of the cave, 2–20 metres (6 ft 7 in – 65 ft 7 in) above the ground. It is translucent and basket-shaped and made from saliva mixed with grasses, casuarina needles, twigs and feathers. Two clutches are laid during the breeding season, each consisting of a single white egg. The egg is incubated by both parents for about 26.5 days. Incubation of the second egg is aided by warmth from the first chick. The young bird remains in the nest for about 46–51 days after hatching.<p>The Australian swiftlet feeds in flight, preying on insects and drifting spiders. It forages in flocks over rainforest edges, savanna, pastures, beaches and gorges. It generally feeds within 30 kilometres (19 mi) of the breeding colony, leaving the nest for periods of about 30 minutes to hunt.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Long-crested Eagle
Lophaetus occipitalis
Large, chunky, blackish eagle with a towering, floppy crest. In flight, the wing shows much white below and less above. Found in woodland, plantations, and open forest. Perches for long periods, and only occasionally soars. Call is a long, powerful “kweeeeya.” Separated from Verreaux’s Eagle by different shape: more compact, with a shorter tail and broader, squared-off wings.
Brushland Tinamou
Nothoprocta cinerascens
Small, short-necked tinamou of the chaco region of the central Southern Cone. Most often detected by voice. From similar White-bellied Nothura, with which its range partly overlaps, by gray legs and brownish belly. Tends to prefer thorn forest with dense grass or scrubby understory, but can be seen along road sides. Song a 5-8 part flat whistle, given with progressively more emphasis.
Mountain Illadopsis
Illadopsis pyrrhoptera
Chunky, mid-sized, remarkably drab bird. Found in the understory of montane forest, usually in small groups. Very shy and skulking, rarely seen unless expressly searched for. Most often detected by voice: a descending series of whistles, usually given together by a group of birds, some of which add lower “chuk” notes. Similar to African Hill Babbler, but has a dull-brown rather than rich rufous-brown back. Also very similar to other illadopsises, but generally found at higher elevations, and has a less distinct white throat.
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