• BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

    Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Three-toed Swiftlet - BirdForum Opus

(Redirected from Aerodramus papuensis)

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 Needletail and Uniform Swiftlet.
No information about breeding.
Presumed to be resident.

External Links

Top