From Opus

Aerodramus francicus

[edit] Identification

A small Swiftlet (10,5cm)

• Dark brown upperparts with whitish rump
• Pale brown underparts
• Forked tail
• Capable of echolocation

[edit] Similar Species

Similar to Seychelles Swiftlet, but no range overlap. For differences see Seychelles Swiftlet.

[edit] Distribution

Reunion and Mauritius (together called the Mascarenes, hence the name).
Nests are often destroyed by vandals or speologist, but some caves are inaccessible and so protected.

[edit] Taxonomy

Is sometimes considerd conspecific with Seychelles Swiftlet and forms a superspecies with it. Like other Aerodramus Swiftlets it's also sometimes placed into genus Collocalia.

[edit] Habitat

Occurs over a wide variety of habitats, breeds in caves and lava tunnels.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on insects taken in flight. Gregarious and often feeding in flocks.
Seems to breed year round. Nests in caves, using echolocation. The nest is bracket-shaped and made of lichen filaments, glued together with saliva. Lays one egg.
Resident species. Former records on Madagascar probably false identification.

[edit] External Links