Crested Treeswift Bird Details
Hemiprocne coronata
Crested Treeswift
Kakali
Tickell, 1833
Apodiformes
Hemiprocnidae
Hemiprocne
India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Odisha.), Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Appearance :
The Crested Treeswift has a sleek, elongated body with a distinctive crest at the back of its head. Its plumage is mostly dark brown above with a white belly and pale underparts, featuring long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail.
Behaviour :
Crested Treeswifts are often seen flying in pairs or small groups. They are known for their acrobatic flying skills and can often be seen gliding gracefully. They build their nests in tree hollows or on cliffs and are quite vocal during the breeding season.
Habitat :
These birds prefer open woodlands, forests, and sometimes urban areas with sufficient tree cover. They are typically found at various elevations, often in areas near water sources.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of flying insects, which they catch in flight. They have a specialized feeding technique that allows them to catch insects while in the air.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Crested Treeswifts are primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Southern China.
Population Size :
Exact population numbers are difficult to determine due to their wide distribution and preference for high trees.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of Crested Treeswifts in the wild is estimated to be around 5-10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Crested Treeswift has a slender, streamlined body designed for fast flight. It features long wings and a deeply forked tail, which help it maneuver through the air.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 21-25 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small with a distinctive crest of feathers at the back, which can be raised or lowered.
- Eyes: The eyes are large, dark, and well-adapted for spotting insects in flight.
- Bill: The bill is short, straight, and slightly curved, ideal for catching flying insects.
- Bill Length: About 12-15 mm.
Length :
The total length of the bird is around 22-26 cm.
Neck :
The neck is short and blends into the body, characteristic of swift species.
Size :
The Crested Treeswift is medium-sized for a swift
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and deeply forked, aiding in agile flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10-12 cm.
- Feathers: The plumage is dark brown above, with white or pale underparts. The feathers are sleek and adapted for aerodynamics.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 40-50 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long, pointed, and tapered, designed for speed and agility in flight.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is around 45-50 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Crested Treeswift has a distinctive crest on its head that can be raised or lowered. It also has large, expressive eyes.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Crested Treeswift typically builds its nest in tree hollows or on ledges of cliffs. The nests are often placed high above the ground to protect them from predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using twigs, grass, and feathers, providing insulation and a cozy environment for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season generally occurs during the monsoon months, from June to August in many regions.
Nesting Season :
Usually during the wet season.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually white or pale in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 18-20 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 13-15 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 3-5 grams.
Clutch Size :
A typical clutch consists of 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Crested Treeswifts generally raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 18 to 20 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge approximately 20 to 25 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Their calls are high-pitched and can include chirps and trills. They are often vocal during the breeding season and while in flight.
Sex Demorphism :
Males tend to have slightly longer wing and tail feathers.
Migration Details :
Crested Treeswifts are generally resident birds in most of their range but may undertake short-distance migrations in response to seasonal changes and food availability.
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