From Opus

Aerodramus brevirostris

Photo by kctsang
Location: Singapore

[edit] Identification

With 14cm a quite large Swiftlet.

• Forked tail
• Dark brown upperparts
• Rump band paler (brevirostris) or slightly paler (innominatus)
• Underparts uniform pale grey
• Tarsi feathered, white rami

See Indochinese Swiftlet for comparison.

[edit] Distribution

Himalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan) and mountains of NE India and S China to Myanmar, N Thailand and N Vietnam. Wintering south to Indochina and the Malay Peninsula to Singapore and possibly Sumatra. Recorded on Andaman Islands.
Common in some parts of its range, uncommon in China.

[edit] Taxonomy

Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Volcano Swiftlet and Indochinese Swiftlet are often regarded as subspecies of this species. Linked by some authors with Whitehead's Swiftlet.
Two subspecies:

• A.b. brevirostris Himalayas to SC China, Myanmar and Thailand
• A.b. innominatus in Central China and N Vietnam

[edit] Habitat

Usually over mountains, prefering wooded river valleys. Also lowlands and cultivated area.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on various insects, taken in flight. Gregarious, usually in flocks up to 50 birds or more. Often seen together with other Swifts or Swallows.
Breeding season from April to June. Breeds in colonies on vertical cliffs or in caves, capable of echolocation. Bracket-shaped nest build with vegetable matters, hold together with saliva. Lays two eggs.
Partial migrant. Small part of population migrating. Due to difficulty of identification data not clear.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages