Sulawesi Swiftlet

Aerodramus sororum

Photo by James Eaton
Lore Lindu, Indonesia

Identification

A small Swiftlet (10cm), very similar to Uniform Swiftlet and Glossy Swiftlet and very difficult to identify in field.

• Black-brown upperparts
• Rump uniform or slightly paler, sororum has distinct grey-white rump band
• Pale-brown underparts
• Forked tail
• In hand: extensively white rami on rump feathers

Distribution

Found in Indonesia on Sulawesi.
Common in parts of its range.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.
It was formerly included in Moluccan Swiftlet, together with Halmahera Swiftlet and Seram Swiftlet.
Forms a superspecies with the two latter species and Philippine Swiftlet, Mountain Swiftlet, White-rumped Swiftlet and Australian Swiftlet. Also considered to be conspecific with White-rumped Swiftlet. Relationsships in this group are still poorly understood.
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.

Habitat

Moist lowland forest and montanes. Generally higher than other Swiftlets.

Behaviour

Feeds on insects, taken in flight. Noted to feed above canopy while Glossy Swiftlet is feeding beneath canopy level.
Not much information about nesting. Believed to make a nest with vegetable matter, attached to a cave wall.
Thought to be resident or nomadic within range.

External Links

Search for photos of Sulawesi Swiftlet in the gallery