Himalayan Swiftlet Bird Details
Aerodramus brevirostris
Himalayan Swiftlet,Short-billed Swiftlet;
Himalayan Swiftlet
Thomas Horsfield, 1840
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Aerodramus
India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir), Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan
Appearance :
The Himalayan Swiftlet is a small, sleek bird with a short, blunt bill. Its plumage is mostly dark brown or blackish, with a paler throat and underparts. The wings are long and pointed, and it has a slightly forked tail.
Behaviour :
These birds are known for their social behavior, often found in large flocks, especially during foraging. They are agile flyers, capable of swift maneuvers, and are often seen feeding on the wing. They nest in colonies, usually in caves or cliff faces.
Habitat :
Himalayan Swiftlets prefer mountainous regions and are typically found in humid, tropical, and subtropical climates. They nest in caves and overhangs, where they can find sheltered areas.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of insects and other small invertebrates, which they catch in mid-air while flying. They have a unique feeding technique, often flying in loops to maximize their catch.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are primarily distributed in the Himalayan region, including parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and northern Pakistan.
Population Size :
Exact population numbers can be challenging to determine due to their remote habitats and social nature.
Life Span :
They can live up to 5-10 years under natural conditions.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Himalayan Swiftlet is a small, streamlined bird with a graceful appearance, well-adapted for aerial life.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 16-18 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small and flat with a broad forehead and a slightly rounded crown.
- Eyes: The eyes are relatively large and dark, providing excellent vision for spotting insects during flight.
- Bill: The bill is short, broad at the base, and slightly curved, designed for catching insects while in flight.
- Bill Length: Around 9-10 mm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 10 to 11 cm (about 4 to 4.3 inches).
Neck :
The neck is short and blends smoothly into the body, giving a compact appearance.
Size :
The body size is small, contributing to its agility in flight.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is forked and relatively short compared to the body length.
- Tail Length: Approximately 5-7 cm.
- Feathers: The plumage is primarily dark brown or blackish, with paler underparts and throat. The feathers are soft and provide good insulation.
Weight :
Generally weighs between 10 to 15 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long, narrow, and pointed, allowing for quick, agile flight. The shape is designed for sustained gliding.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is approximately 20-25 cm (about 8 to 10 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Himalayan Swiftlet has a small head with a broad forehead and a flat crown. The face is mostly dark, contributing to its streamlined appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nests of Himalayan Swiftlets are typically made of a combination of saliva and plant materials, often built into the ceilings of caves or rock overhangs. The nests are cup-shaped and may be reused year after year.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nests are constructed primarily from hardened saliva, which creates a sturdy structure. Swiftlets may also incorporate feathers and other plant materials into the nest.
Breeding Season :
In general, breeding may occur from April to August.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually glossy white or pale cream in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 18-19 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 13-14 mm.
- Egg Weight: Eggs weigh about 2-3 grams each.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size ranges from 1 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Himalayan Swiftlets generally raise one brood per season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 18 to 22 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge approximately 20 to 25 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
They produce a series of high-pitched tweets and chirps, especially during courtship and when communicating with their flock.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on external characteristics.
Migration Details :
Himalayan Swiftlets are generally resident birds, meaning they do not migrate long distances. However, they may exhibit local movements in response to seasonal changes, particularly in search of food or suitable nesting sites.