Tahiti Swiftlet (Collocalia leucophaeus)
Justification In 1923, when 12 specimens of this species were collected by the Whitney Expedition, it was suggested that future ornithologists would probably never see this bird. However, a small population does survive in a few valleys and it is consequently classified as Vulnerable. Any indication of a decline would elevate its status.
Identification 10 cm. Small, dark swift. All sooty-brown, slightly lighter below. Square tail. Similar spp. Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica has forked tail, glossier plumage above, dark chestnut throat. Voice Dry trill trrrr.
Population estimate 250-999
Population trend stable
Range estimate 110 km2
Country endemic? Yes
Range & Population Collocalia leucophaeus breeds only on Tahiti in the Society Islands, French Polynesia, where it was recorded in five valleys in 1971-1974, and in six valleys (out of 39 visited) during the period 1986-1991 apparently never having been abundant in the 20th century. Indeed, in 1923, it was noted that two local hunters travelled for eight days through the valleys without seeing this species. In 1997, a new breeding site, with c.30 nests, was found, and the population is guessed to be below 1000 birds and stable. It was formerly encountered on Huahine and (possibly) Bora Bora, while records from Moorea in 1973 may have referred to vagrants from Tahiti
Ecology It prefers wet, rocky and forested valleys at high elevations. It nests either in shallow depressions under overhanging rocks and coastal cliffs, or caves.
Threats Its rarity is possibly linked to the introduction of the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Swamp Harrier Circus approximans. Other introduced species may also be implicated.
Action None is known.
