- Collocalia dodgei
Identification
A very small Swiftlet (10cm).
- Square tail
- Plumage green-glossed with no rectrix spots
- No feather tuft on hind toe (only visible in hand)
- Not capable of echolocation
Similar Species
Looks very similar to Glossy Swiftlet (not overlapping in range); but especially Plume-toed Swiftlet seems to be a problem. Plume-toed Swiftlet is 10-20% larger but this is probably not useful in the field. Color of the gloss is not helpful, though overall lack of gloss might be. Plume-toed Swiftlet has a capped appearance with a dark, glossy cap that contrasts with a less glossy, brown rest of face. This effect is less strong in Bornean Swiftlet. It may also be worth-while to check recordings before going into the field.
Distribution
Endemic to northern Borneo (Mount Kinabalu).
A common restricted-range species.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Formerly considered conspecific with Cave Swiftlet.
Habitat
Restricted to high altitude.
Behaviour
Forages in crowns of fruit trees, especially fruiting figs. A gregarious species.
Makes a bracket-shaped nest out of thin vegetable pieces. Lays two eggs.
Resident, no movements known.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Identification criteria of this species especially compared with Plume-toed Swiftlet
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Bornean Swiftlet. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 25 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Bornean_Swiftlet
