From Opus

Alternative names: Three-toed Swiftlet; Idenburg Swiftlet

Aerodramus papuensis

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Taxonomy

Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Has been considered to be conspecific with Whitehead's Swiftlet.
Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Sightings and collected specimens from sea-level up to mountains. May prefer gullies and moist montane forest.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Seen in flocks with Papuan Needletail and Uniform Swiftlet.
No information about breeding.
Presumed to be resident.

[edit] External Links