From Opus

Alternative names: Guadalcanal Swiftlet

Aerodramus orientalis

[edit] Identification

With 13 to 14cm a large Swiftlet.

• Shallow tail fork and short tail
• Black upperparts
• Broad, pale grey rump
• Sooty-brown underparts
• Slightly feathered tarsi (leletensis unfeathered)

[edit] Distribution

Found on New Ireland (Papua New Guinea) and Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands). One specimen known from Bougainville.
Restricted range species with very little information about habitat and population.

[edit] Taxonomy

Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Formerly considered conspecific with Whitehead's Swiftlet. Also placed in a superspecies with Bare-legged Swiftlet.
Two subspecies recognised:

• A.o. orientalis on Guadalcanal
• A.o. leletensis on New Ireland

[edit] Habitat

Believed to be a highland species.

[edit] Behaviour

No information about food, feeding, breeding or behaviour.
Believed to be a resident.

[edit] External Links