Alternative names: Papuan Swiftlet; Idenburg Swiftlet
- Aerodramus papuensis
Identification
With 14cm a large Swiftlet of New Guinea.
- Warm brown upperparts, slightly glossy
- Dark underparts with silver-grey throat
- Feathered tarsi
- The only member of Apodidae with only three toes.
Distribution
Endemic to New Guinea , mainly in the north and north-east.
Believed to be common but there exist only a few sightings and few specimens.
Taxonomy
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Has been considered to be conspecific with Whitehead's Swiftlet.
Monotypic.
Habitat
Sightings and collected specimens from sea-level up to mountains. May prefer gullies and moist montane forest.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Seen in flocks with Papuan Spinetail and Uniform Swiftlet.
No information about breeding.
Presumed to be resident.
