From Opus

Aerodramus spodiopygius

Photo by Matalevu
Photo taken: Pacific Harbour, Fiji.

Photo by Mat & Cathy
Photo taken: Nadi, Fiji.

[edit] Identification

A small, polytypic Swiftlet of several islands in the South Pacific. Very similar to Australian Swiftlet, but no range overlap.

• Tail deeply forked
• Pale rump, varying geographically in paleness
• Most subspecies much paler below than Uniform Swiftlet
• Blackish-brown upperparts

[edit] Distribution

Islands in the South Pacific, west of New Guinea: Bismarck Archipelago, New Ireland, New Britain, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Common to abundant in most of its range. Vagrant to New Zealand.

[edit] Taxonomy

Forms a superspecies with Philippine Swiftlet, Moluccan Swiftlet, Mountain Swiftlet and Australian Swiftlet. The last three have been considered to be conspecific with this species. Also placed in composite species Aerodramus francicus (Grey-rumped Swiftlet, now only Mascarene Swiftlet).
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Eleven subspecies are currently recognized and Atiu Swiftlet Aerodramus sawtelli may be another subspecies of this species.

[edit] Habitat

Found over a wide range of habitats, from lowlands up to highlands and montane forests.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds insects, taken in flight. Often foraging in big groups, sometimes with other Swiftlets and Swifts.
Breeds in colonies in caves, overhanging rocks, under fallen trees or even in human settlements in cave-like circumstances. Capable of echolocation. Builds a bracket-shaped nest made of vegetable matters hold together with saliva and attached to cliff or wall. Lays one to two eggs.
This species is resident, however a vagrant to New Zealand is recorded.

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