- Aerodramus francicus
Identification
A small Swiftlet (10,5cm)
- Dark brown upperparts with whitish rump
- Pale brown underparts
- Forked tail
- Capable of echolocation
Similar Species
Similar to Seychelles Swiftlet, but no range overlap. For differences see Seychelles Swiftlet.
Distribution
Reunion Island and Mauritius Island (together called the Mascarenes, hence the name).
Nests are often destroyed by vandals or speleologist, but some caves are inaccessible and so protected.
Taxonomy
Is sometimes considerd conspecific with Seychelles Swiftlet and forms a superspecies with it. Like other Aerodramus Swiftlets it's also sometimes placed into genus Collocalia.
Habitat
Occurs over a wide variety of habitats, breeds in caves and lava tunnels.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects taken in flight. Gregarious and often feeding in flocks.
Seems to breed year round. Nests in caves, using echolocation. The nest is bracket-shaped and made of lichen filaments, glued together with saliva. Lays one egg.
Resident species. Former records on Madagascar probably false identification.
